TNBC radiation vs. chemo

I think this is a wrong and dangerous assumption. Doctors do not "profit" from chemo drugs. They follow guidelines established by the NIC and NIH, based on the specific type of cancer, if it's invasive or graded as a quick spreader. These guidelines are based on risk/outcome percentages and the chance for the cancer to return or metastasize. TNC is a very difficult cancer to treat and kills a lot of younger women so they tend to treat it aggressively.

FWIW, I have suffered from numerous severe side effects that last for 8-10 days starting 3-4 days after chemo. My treatments are every 3 weeks. My Oncologist may do a dose reduction for 4th round. It's amazing the people who come here think they know more than Oncologist and researchers. If you're having problems with the chemo drugs discuss it with your doctor and see if there are alternatives to the plan, and/or other meds to control the side effects.

I am not saying I know more than a doctor. Not sure how you got that from my comment. Just stating that it is wrong that they can profit from from selling chemo drugs. Money should not be involved at all.

I hope it's not true but medicine in this country is big money no matter what ailment you have. It's much more profitable to treat a disease than it is to cure it. I know sometimes people don't have a choice in doing chemo or not. My 1st oncologist started pushing chemo on me the 1st minute I met him and he was not empathetic at all so I didn't trust him. I found another oncologist and told him right away I was against chemo and he said OK I'll treat you a different way. He told me about the Oncotype test to see how beneficial chemo would be to my specific cancer. My 1st Dr. hadn't even mentioned this test to me. My results came back and guess what, chemo was not beneficial to me. I just want people to stand up for themselves and make sure you trust your team of doctors, get second opinions. I'm sure everyone heard about that doctor that fake diagnosed hundreds of people with cancer and made millions off the chemo meds. There are monsters in this world. All of this being said I know TNBC is very aggressive and treatment needs to be as well. I pray for health for all of women I talk to on here. We are all living a nightmare.

Don't regret anything you have done. You were forced to make decisions quickly and under insane amounts of pressure. I actually asked my doctor after everything if he though I had made a mistake not doing chemo and he told me to never doubt myself because there is no way to know the answer to that question. I think you should do what feels right to you. Talk to your doctors and get all the information and then make that decision. On the bright side, if you do decide to continue with chemo... you are already half way done! 2 down, 2 to go.

Hi everyone.

I hope all are feeling well on this Day.

I had a bilateral mastectomy, clear margins, stage 2A, hormone positive, the oncotype results tells a lot about whether to suggest chemo to a patient or not. A consult with a well known radiologist would tell if to have radiation or not. genetic test negative, her2 negative, as well,

mine all pointed after various tests and opinions after surgery to an oncologist consult, for 5 year hormone blockers. No radiation/no chemo! partly, Due to my quick surgery decision, I believe.

yes, I do believe to trust the process and in specialist hands, but asking, researching, ask the right people in field with experience, seeing a doctor that specializes in what we are going to discuss and is up to par on research trainings is key too.

Results of my Bone density, blood work will be there with me at the upcoming oncology consult as I have osteopenia in one hip, and arthritis few places. I’ve been hearing side effects of meds, and wondered if it’s that much if one consistently does daily cardio, walks, and three times a week weight for bone strength, & eats healthy. To help counteract these side effects being mentioned with teeth bone health and whole body joint muscle & bone health?

also need to find the one that doesn’t make the cholesterol increase more, any ideas?

also, is there anyone that has a positive story to share about a specific post menopausal hormone blocker if your lifestyle has been active like mine?

the one that starts with Letter L? I’ve heard….

Any tips, as I go in Jan. to discuss the meds which is my next step in this journey.

I had a negative mamogram, ultrasound, only pain in one breast, no family history, after 4 months going from surgeon, I demanded an excitional biopsy, breast cancer was found, removed.The oncologist told me no need for further treatment. I was a young mom and wife,there was no internet, fast I educated myself ,went back to my surgeon and told her I want the most aggressive treatment of chemo , a masectomy. My husband though was too much, but is my body,my decision.

During the masectomy was found lubular invasive that was diferent of the one in the biopsy Stage 1.

My chemo was drip and dense at my home, first week ,second the booster, third week sick ,fourth ok, blood work ,repeat.

One year lasted my treatment, during this time I went to volunteer at a Cancer center, joined a support group.

Later the Center offered to pay to go back to University, justed retired from it. Went to work in the medical field.

My kids finished High school, college, got married.

I owe my 30 year survival to chemo, Radical mastectomy, my support group. But it is a choice ,a very personal, I can't say do this or not.

It depends of many factors.

Still I believe in cancer treatment should be aggressive.

Luckily now we have the best mamograms, years back was advised that after 5 years if one needs a diagnostic mamogram the doctor has to specify.

Make sure you get a diagnostic one not a routine one.

The only time I did not ask for one ,had the routine mamogram, a lump was found in my one breast, had to go back inmediantly to get a biopsy or be removed.

It was benign, learned my lesson.

Through the years I had microcalcifications removed from my chest wall ,behind my reconstruction.

Allways get a second opinion, ask questions, be positive.

Pamper yourself and let others help.

I had a radical masectomy with 18 lymph removed, R breast, no need for double, positive hormonal, no inherited genes, no family history of any cancer.

My doctors want me to have yearly mamograms, except when found microcalcifications, I had 1 every 6 months.

Also I have an ultrasound each time.

I have a great medical team.

Is a personal choice, I was planning reconstruction, was in my mid 30, waited a year . My best friend chose no reconstruction. Chest wall also has breast tissue.

My pre cancer calcifications were in my chest wall on the breast I had a radical masectomy.

Also never do I regret once I make a choice, and for me it was the best.