Chemo or not to chemo.

JennT619
JennT619 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I am 39 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with ER/PR + HER2- DCIS breast Cancer. i had a double masectomey. My onco doc is suggesting chemo. I did genes testing and everything was negative. He is saying that because of my age, I had mutliple tumors in one breast and it did go into a lymph node (but not out) that he wants to agressively treat me. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around this, it doesnt help that he beats around the bush on questions and never gives an answer. I am looking to get a second opinion, but if anyone has had this same diagnosis, and info would help. Thanks

Comments

  • 53strick
    53strick Member Posts: 1
    #2
    JennT619 of that

    It sounds like you may feel better about the decision after getting a second opinion. Be mindful that Chemo affects everyone differently. I too was overwhelmed once hearing that my treatment required Chemo was depressed the duration of that day. I prayed about the matter intensely quickly received from all the negative thoughts. Am now approaching my last  chemo treatment and I have to say while I have no desire to do it again if I had to I wouldn’t view it as the end of the world. My body handled it well no sickness never needed the nausea meds , manageable fatigue and the multiole side effects have been endrable. I am now focusing my prayers on not being overwhelmed concerning the surgery.  Just trying to take one stage at a time while be thankful that I am in a position to do what I can to move toward restoring,h health.

     

     

  • Elaine_wi
    Elaine_wi Member Posts: 124 Member
    #3
    Every cancer is different

    Every cancer is different but I will tell you my experience. Mine was also ER/PR + HER2- with one sentinal lymph node involved.

    My oncolgist decided that I did not need chemo because my Oncotype score was low, only a 6. I had both infiltrating ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma. I had a double mastectomy followed by radiation on the side with lymph node involvement and estrogen-suppresant medication.

    Did you have an Oncotype test?

  • bonbondidit
    bonbondidit Member Posts: 116
    #4
    Chemo

    Hi Jenn-

    I had the same breast cancer but it also broke out into invasive and travelled into my underarm. Four positive lymph nodes there so they removed 18 for good measure. I'm 5 years out from my diagnoses and I hit it with everything I had, chemo plus nutritionally. I have zero regrets.  My hardest day (aside from day of diagnosis) was walking through my first chemo office door frame thinking this is where it gets real and almost passed out as wekk as the waiting game we all go through (frustrating as it gets) but zero regrets and focused on my fight rather then giving into my fears. A second opinion is always worthy. If you choose chemo, think of it as your best weapon in your tool box. It needs to be embraced as a friend who is trying to have your back rather then an invasive intruder.  If you have any questions feel free to ask away :)

    Hugs,

    Bonnie

  • Ptmartin
    Ptmartin Member Posts: 1
    #5
    To Stop chemo or not

    I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in August. I have mild cirrhosis of the liver from fatty liver. My oncologist decided for me to have surgery first, a lumpectomy. My surgeron remove the small tumor with clean margins, Stage 1 or less, Grade 2. No cells found in the lymph nodes. I did 12 weeks of Taxol. Became very anemic, so have been going through several tests to see if I have any internal bleeding. All negative. My oncologist says that the next round which would A/C would be very hard on me and says I can stop but it was up to me. I will meet with her next week to discuss my survival rates of stopping or not. In the beginning she said she would be happy if I got through the 12 weeks of Taxol. I feel like I'm at a crossroad where I don't know if risking my liver and possibly heart health is worth the chance of reoccurrence. Anyone else faced with similar decision? Thanks 

  • scerb111
    scerb111 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2020 #6
    Ptmartin said:

    To Stop chemo or not

    I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in August. I have mild cirrhosis of the liver from fatty liver. My oncologist decided for me to have surgery first, a lumpectomy. My surgeron remove the small tumor with clean margins, Stage 1 or less, Grade 2. No cells found in the lymph nodes. I did 12 weeks of Taxol. Became very anemic, so have been going through several tests to see if I have any internal bleeding. All negative. My oncologist says that the next round which would A/C would be very hard on me and says I can stop but it was up to me. I will meet with her next week to discuss my survival rates of stopping or not. In the beginning she said she would be happy if I got through the 12 weeks of Taxol. I feel like I'm at a crossroad where I don't know if risking my liver and possibly heart health is worth the chance of reoccurrence. Anyone else faced with similar decision? Thanks 

    what is next round of A/C

    what is next round of A/C mean?

    did you receive taxol+heceptin?

    are you taking antiestrogen rx?

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