Question on Chemotherapy and Radiation

aimee_m · April 2009

Hi, I am fairly new to this site, and have been searching for some information on chemotherapy.

I am fairly young, 27 and had DCIS, with an invasive portion. My lymphnodes are negative, but it was right up against my muscle wall and the total tumor was 10cm. I had a bilateral mascetomy for my own peace of mind and at the urging of my doctor.

I have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow to review my options, but I have not been able to find information on the benefits/negatives of doing chemo or radiation.

Any information provided is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

EveningStar2 · April 2009

options
First welcome to our merry little band and sorry that you needed to find us.

Your pathology report is the biggest factor in the recommendations. The reason for having chemo and/or rads is to decrease your odds of reoccurance. I am not a doctor but I strongly suspect with a tumor that size, chemo will be recommended. Please let us know how you are doing and I'm sure other folks will be chiming in. There is also a pathway here on ACS site for treatment options that is informative.

Maureen

Ltalcott · April 2009

welcome
You have found a good place for information--not the medical recommendations, necessarily, but certainly the coping recommendations.

Bilateral mastectomies just make sense, don't they? Two less things to worry about.

You can read many of our stories here--chemo and radiation are both "doable" so if that's what they recommend, you can get lots of help here about how to pamper your way through treatment.

I am keeping a notebook with information about every appointment, every recommendation that I'm given. Also, names and phone numbers. Take notes--or have someone with you take notes. It's easy to hear the first comment (often a doozie!) and then miss the follow-up information.

Lisa

Kristin N · April 2009

Hi Aimee
Your oncologist will be able to answer your questions and your concerns. Be sure and take someone with you, write what they say down and/or take a tape recorder so that you know what was said. Your pathology report is what determines your treatment choices. And, was your tumor 10cm or .10cm? Good luck to you and let us know what you find out!

Christmas Girl · April 2009

Hello, aimee_m!
Welcome, but sorry for the reason. Only 27 ???? Your post indicates grace & dignity under tremendous pressure.

Like others here who've already responded - your oncologist will be your very best source of information regarding your own risk of recurrence level & which treatments will have the best effect at getting that % number as low as possible. This varies greatly between individual patients & their particular circumstances. I underwent both chemotherapy & radiation treatment following surgery. Not a picnic in the park, by any means. But, it was necessary - for me - to drastically lower my odds of recurrence (from 60% to 20%). Therefore, my decision wasn't a difficult one to make.

Best of luck to you.

Kind regards, Susan

rjjj · April 2009

Aimee
You are not fairly young, you are very young dear, and it breaks my heart as i have a daughter your age and would like to kick the beast's ****! I am glad you came to us we will help you as much as possible with your questions, worries and fears. We will be here nite or day.

I am so glad your lymphnodes were neg. and that you had the bilateral..i have regrets that i didn't. I may go back sometime and have masectomy on the other one IF my insurance would pay for preventative surgery. My Dr. didn't want to do it.

Let us know what your onc. says ..if he recommends chemo you can do it! I am almost finished with it and there were bad days, and depression etc. but it is doable and, i do not have to worry that i didn't do everything possible..same for radiation i will be doing that in about 3 weeks and they say it is much easier than chemo..and the best part my hair will grow back.

You are in my thoughts and prayers sweetie
hugs
jackie

Jeanne D · April 2009

Aimee
Let us know what your oncologist suggests for you to do please. But, the ultimate decision will be yours. But, with a tumor that size, I would imagine that they will recommend chemo for sure. 10cm is a large tumor from what I know. I was only 34 when I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer, so, I know that being young and having breast cancer is very, very hard. Take care of yourself!

aimee_m · April 2009

Jeanne D said:
Aimee
Let us know what your oncologist suggests for you to do please. But, the ultimate decision will be yours. But, with a tumor that size, I would imagine that they will recommend chemo for sure. 10cm is a large tumor from what I know. I was only 34 when I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer, so, I know that being young and having breast cancer is very, very hard. Take care of yourself!

Oncologist Suggestions
I saw the chemo specialist, and she recommended that I go through with chemo. It is my decision, but I am cautious by nature, so I probably will go through with the treatment.

Very similar reasons that were listed, young, size, and I was positive for HER2.

So not good news, but news none the less.

outdoorgirl · April 2009

aimee_m said:
Oncologist Suggestions
I saw the chemo specialist, and she recommended that I go through with chemo. It is my decision, but I am cautious by nature, so I probably will go through with the treatment.

Very similar reasons that were listed, young, size, and I was positive for HER2.

So not good news, but news none the less.

You can make it through chemo
Aimee,
It will not be an easy road,but I can tell you right now like so many of the others can-you can make it through!They've got great anti-nausea drugs. If you have problems while you're going through it,your onc and nurses will take care of you.Believe me,the thought of chemo is much scarier than it really is,and after the first time you will get to know what to expect. And a lot of us have been through the breast cancer chemo drugs,and even though it doesn't affect everyone the same,someone here is sure to have something in
common with you. We are here to ask and answer questions and to vent to-use us all!You are not alone and you are going to be allright!
Love,Patty

Kristin N · April 2009

aimee_m said:
Oncologist Suggestions
I saw the chemo specialist, and she recommended that I go through with chemo. It is my decision, but I am cautious by nature, so I probably will go through with the treatment.

Very similar reasons that were listed, young, size, and I was positive for HER2.

So not good news, but news none the less.

Sorry Aimiee but
if you decide to go thru with the chemo..you will have all of the support you need here. You can get thru it!

mmontero38 · April 2009

Welcome Aimee to the club no
Welcome Aimee to the club no one wants to join. We are here to help and support you in any way we can. We are a great group of survivors on this board who can tell you our experiences. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but just know we are here to help out. Hugs, Lili

aimee_m · April 2009

mmontero38 said:
Welcome Aimee to the club no
Welcome Aimee to the club no one wants to join. We are here to help and support you in any way we can. We are a great group of survivors on this board who can tell you our experiences. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but just know we are here to help out. Hugs, Lili

Thanks
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am still a little undecided, but knowing that others have made it through is a comfort.

Like most people, I am trying to fit one more thing in my busy schedule and finding that I don't have enough time in the day.

I guess my biggest issue is that I do not fall into any of the research (I'm a research analyst, so you can imagine my need). My mother always told me I was special, she just didn't realize how right she was

It's hard to look at the positives and negatives of treatment, without knowing how it will benefit.

Thanks again, and I hope that you all have a wonderful evening.

Christmas Girl · April 2009

aimee_m said:
Thanks
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am still a little undecided, but knowing that others have made it through is a comfort.

Like most people, I am trying to fit one more thing in my busy schedule and finding that I don't have enough time in the day.

I guess my biggest issue is that I do not fall into any of the research (I'm a research analyst, so you can imagine my need). My mother always told me I was special, she just didn't realize how right she was It's hard to look at the positives and negatives of treatment, without knowing how it will benefit.

Thanks again, and I hope that you all have a wonderful evening.

Your background will serve you well...
As a professional research analyst, your background will certainly serve you well as you continue on your journey, aimee_m! However, I do understand that in regards to the point you're at right now - you're probably feeling frustrated. Please always remember that patients with the exact same diagnosis & pathology and who each receive the exact same treatment protocol can react differently. The human body still retains many mysteries; and, we are each so unique. We must all make our individual decisions based on what's best for each of us as individuals, which is most certainly not always easy to do.

Busy schedule? Yeah, cancer is never convenient! Darn it! However, nothing is more important than your upcoming treatment, no matter what you decide. This is YOUR time, dear. Please put yourself FIRST, no matter what.

Kind regards, Susan

Question on Chemotherapy and Radiation

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