Needing opinions regarding chemo as an unhealthy 62 year old

chalker
chalker Member Posts: 2 *
in Breast Cancer #1

Good morning to all. I was diagnosed with IDC on 8/22 and had my lumpectomy on 10/4. My tumor was 2.4cm, HER2 neg, ER+ 100%, BRCA Neg, neg lymph nodes. I was all set to start rad in the next couple of weeks when surgeon called saying I needed chemo because my oncotype came back at 29.

8 years ago, I had a large (7 inch) tumor on my ovary which required total radical hysterectomy along with some other parts. It was low malignancy so no treatment after. But after the surgery I couldn't gain my strength back and was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid arthritis.

My inflammation numbers are off the charts. I have some joint deformities on my feet and hands. I live with a great deal of fatigue and of course my flares are difficult. My surgeon thought I had lymph node involvement because of their size and appearance but they tested benign and she believes it is from my autoimmune disease.

So now I am faced with chemo. I am not sure how it would affect my already decimated immune system. I have an appointment with oncologist next Wed.

I was just wondering if anyone else here has gone through anything similar. How they did with the chemo. How irresponsible it would be for me to opt to not have it. Any good questions to ask my oncologist at my consult.

Sorry this is so wordy…why use 1 word when you can use 20. Thanks in advance

Comments

  • RocDocVic
    RocDocVic Member Posts: 135 Member
    #2
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328643/needing-opinions-regarding-chemo-as-an-unhealthy-62-year-old

    Have you discussed your immune system with your Oncologist? Are they aware of your health conditions? What is the risk of recurrence if you decide to not take the chemo drugs? Typically the risk for recurrence in hormone positive and HER2 negative cancer is much later, i.e. 10 years post surgery, radiation therapy and chemo. Discuss this as well as hormone repression pills you may be prescribed. Review all risks and overall survival rates for 5 and 10 years with Oncologist and these may help you decide.

  • chalker
    chalker Member Posts: 2 *
    #3

    Thanks for the reply. I haven't yet met with my oncologist..will meet him next week. I am just trying to arm myself with some questions I hadn't thought of. I am not taking any immune suppressant drugs for my RA because of the risks following my ovarian cancer. One or two times a year I take prednisone to help during a flare. The 5 and 10 year survival rates is a great question. Thank you

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