Decision about treatment

Healing22

Hi lovely community, Ive just joined here today. 

I had surgery 3.5 weeks ago and had my appointment with Oncologist today. Feeling a bit overwhelmed.

My results are great - Stage 1, .5mm in size, NST and good margins, they got it all. ER +, PR+ HER- (I am grateful).
Im 51 years old and the only reason they discussed radiation and tamoxifen with me is because Im young.

I need to make a decision by end of this week. The percentage, if i choose neither therapies of cancer returning according to the risk calculator is 12%. 

I know I need to research more so Im here to ask - Has anyone with this diagnosis or thereabouts decided not to do the therapies? 
What alternatives have you used that were successful? 

I am working with a naturopath and am on a super healthy eating plan to lose weight, I am meditating and exercising everyday and don't drink or smoke (I dont sound like much fun at the moment but i am i promise ) I'll do anything to avoid these therapies.

I might sound like a nut but Im feeling so emotional today and just need to talk to others who have chosen not to do therapies
Thanks and lots of love to you all xxx 

Afraser

Hi @Healing22

Can’t answer your question, I didn’t have those options but just wanted to suggest you consider one treatment at a time. Having radiation is certainly daunting, but many have come through it pretty well. After that, you may then want to have a further think about tamoxifen. The experiences of others can be helpful, but how treatments (or not having them) affect individuals is as individual as they are. Wonderful that your cancer has been caught early, and that you are looking after your general health, best wishes whatever you decide. 

Blossom1961

Hi @Healing22 I agree with Afraser. One treatment at a time. I did chemo and surgery followed by a blocker drug. My body rebelled against radiation. I just fell apart each time it was suggested. You need to look at statistics and see how you would feel if you don’t have the treatment and it comes back. Sending big hugs as you think this through. Do what is right for you, not everyone else.

kezmusc

Welcome @Healing22

My options were limited as well.  It was pretty much just blast the heck out of the thing with everything available.

Did your team happen to say what the percentage benefit average was?  If it gives you another 5% extra it might be worth looking at if further.  The same goes for the Tamoxifen.

While nobody wants to do radiation, I found it a pretty easy with only mnimal side effects. No fatigue, minimal burning, I just hated driving there every day.:)
With the hormone therapy that's something you can try if you feel you should and stop if you want. 
 I sit half way with Tamoxifen to minimise the side effects. Some people have next to no problems I happened to tick off pretty much everything on the list plus a few more. I run 3 months on 1 month.  My onc prefers me to do that than not take it all which would be what I would do.  This way I sit in the middle and do what I know I should without compromising life quality.

There are zero natural alternatives to these drugs and treatments that you could trust or have any kind of scientific back up. 

No one can force you to do or take something you don't want to do.  You just have to do what your instincts tell you is right for you and be content with your decision if the things shows up again. 
There are no guarantees either way unfortunately which makes these decisions all the more diffictult.

Best of luck with your decisions.
xoxox  

Katy_Sodapop

I didn't have a similar diagnosis but I found radiation relatively easy. Pain in the butt having to go into hospital 5 days of the week and I've been on Tamoxifen for a few months now and so far so good. Just thought I'd throw that in but like everyone says...it's so different for all. Just do your research and stick to your guns and it doesn't mean you don't change your mind and start treatment right? 

Healing22

Thank you all so much for your kindness and sharing Im very grateful. Yes i do have to do my research and trust my own decision and whats right for me. Thanks again and wishing you all well on your journey. xxx @Katy_Sodapop, @kezmusc, @Blossom1961, @Afraser

Shellshocked2018_

Hi @healing22, I didn’t really have a choice not to have treatment.
Only you can make that choice, and be happy with that choice and have no regrets with your decision.

At least chemotherapy wasn’t on the table. 

Radiotherapy was a walk in the park , the worst part was going to the hospital 5 days a week.
I can’t comment on hormone therapy as I’m not taking any due to being triple negative.

Wishing you the best in your future, do some research , speak to others, speak to your specialists, keep asking questions .

I’m going to send you a private message.
xx