new diagnosis
jomaree
Member Posts: 12 ✭
New to this so not sure if i'm in the right place. Diagnosed in October, have had 2 surgeries. Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and 2 weeks ago axiliary dissection. Have seen the medical oncologist and know I will have hormone therapy as oestrogen + also radiation therapy still waiting for appointment. Oncologist says my choice to have Chemo but not recommended as only 1% advantage for survival. My head says listen and follow medical advise but my gut is saying go for it, need to give an answer by next week. So confused.
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Its a hard one. Percentages and odds. I haven't got advice but wishing you well xx0
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Have they offered you Oncotype Dx testing. This is a better indication if chemo is a a good idea or not.
This explains it. It is costly but it might well be worth it.
https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/06/new-research-findings-confirm-the-benefit-of-the-oncotype-dx-tumour-profiling-test/
1% is a small benefit but we all get that concern of lets do it anyway. Kath x0 -
It is your choice and nobody else's. I've always listened to that "Small Voice" that guides a person one way or the other. Percentages are all very fine and well, until you become one. Older members here will probably start rolling their eyes about now as I tell you a bit of my past. I used to be a very active skydiver, with 1637 jumps under my belt. I only ever used my reserve once, but I can assure You I was glad I had one. That reserve added about an extra 30% weight and a similar amount of extra bulk. Probably cost about double what a rig without a reserve would have cost too. Also cost more in so far as the reserve had to be checked and repacked by a Master Rigger...used or not, every 200 jumps or once a year, whichever came first. The overall statistics for skydivers needing reserves is about 1 in 200 jumps, so about half of one percent. I've jumped all over the world with thousands of highly experienced meatbombs and have yet to know one who does not step out the door from 12,000ft without a reserve. Oh and by the way. 1% of kids in a large school with a thousand pupils is 10 kids. That one percent probably means a lot to those ten kids and their families. That's all I have to say about percentages. Each of us makes our own choices and then lives with them. Good luck with your treatment as you decide with your team, what that will be.5
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thanks @Zoffiel
for tagging me on the activity page Jomaree had already started this discussion before you tagged me ... So I am tagging you .....
@jomaree are you ok with working out the discussion boards? now ?Below are a couple of links to help you find your
way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order
a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.It can be a whirlwind when we first get a
diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.How to post on the main forum – use this
link to get to the main forum and begin a new post. https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/post/discussionNavigating the online community formerly the
what and how thread.Breast Care Nurses
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
My Journey online tool and other resources.
My Journey Online Tool resources
https://myjourney.org.au/hp/step5https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
If you have any questions, concerns or require any further
information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from
9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.How to understand your pathology
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html
reports
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Well it's D day for me, have thought long and hard the last week. Spoken to family and followed your comments. Spoke to my amazing 94yr old Mum. She had a choice in treatment for a heart condition whether to have surgery or not. She listened to her inner voice and is still with us ten yrs on by deciding against surgery. Mum said having a choice and control over your own illness is the best thing and to go with what feels right. I am going to have the chemo as I can't ignore my inner voice and need to be able to live knowing I have done everything I can.7
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Jomaree
it is never an easy choice but going with your inner voice is so important to our mental health in the long term ...
we have your back girl
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Well done on making a very difficult decision @jomaree. I'm a big believer in listening to one's inner voice, your gut. I remember ignoring it a few times in my early to mid 20s and vowing to never ignore it again. Women are schooled by the patriarchy to downplay our natural instincts, but they are powerful and we are more in touch with them than we often credit.
We are with you through chemo. You've got this! And we've got you. When you know which chemo you'll be having, let us know so those who've had the same can chime in with advice if needed.
Not everyone has a ghastly time on chemotherapy. For the bulk it's a middling affair. By no means pleasant, but doable. Keep your eyes on the prize, a cancer free life. Big hug, K xox3 -
You have a plan .... you've made the tough decision ... go with it & all the best xxx1
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Thanks so much for your support. Not sure when I start but already know it is adjuvant TC (docetaxel and cyclophosphamide0 every 21 days for four cycles. Have always gone for what everyone else suggested in situations in my life and have learnt the hard way that I should have listened to myself. This is my illness and my choice I'm doing this for me because I know it feels right.4
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I expect your stress is less now you have made the decision to go ahead with chemo. My personal thoughts were I didn't want to look back in 2 years and regret not giving it my best shot.0
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that is me don't want the what ifs and maybes
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Wishing you all the best for treatment.
Listening to your inner voice I find is always the best for me.
You can do this !
sending cyber hugs your way ❤️1
