To Chemo or Not to Chemo

Mrs_Katie_06

Hi everyone,
Im 8 weeks post surgery (lumpectomy for ILC). I transferred from Peter Mac to my local public hospital under the impression i’d be doing Radiation.. moving between hospitals has lengthened my time waiting for treatment. After both multidisciplinary meetings, both medical teams have recommended chemotherapy. Everything I read says ILC doesn’t respond to Chemo. I’m so confused! I borrowed money to do the Oncotype test and have now been told it’s not accurate for premenopausal women. Anyone have a similar experience or suggestions on who I can talk to about how to make the right decision.

To chemo or not to chemo?

Medically: 2 x 2cm tumors removed, Clear Margins post surgery, one 1.4mm deposit found in one of three lymph nodes. 

Paris_24

@Mrs_Katie_06 hope you are healing well and get stronger post surgery.  I also had ILC in two places a 7cm mass and a smaller 1cm in a different spot, also had a positive lymph node.  I progressed from heading for a lumpectomy to a mastectomy followed by an axilla clearance and was really happy with my choice given the final pathology results.  I am currently on the tail end of a five month chemo journey.  I think it’s great that you are questioning and an active in championing what is right for you.  My view is that the surgery removed the known or visible cancer and chemo and radiation is mopping up anything that is hanging around not visible - even on PET scans.  My oncologist described chemo as a systemic treatment, while the radiologist described radiation as localised treatment and together they work to minimise recurrence.  Sounds like both treating teams are on the same page - write your list of questions and pepper them and also your breast care nurse with your questions until you are satisfied.  Thinking of you and good luck with your decision - keep us posted on how you go.🪷

Aska

Hi @Mrs_Katie_06 I also had ILC, 2 tumours 1.8cm and 1.1cm, no lymph node involvement. My surgeon told me, which was also supported by the multi-disciplinary team, that I didn't need chemo unless mass was 2cm or more. My surgeon was one of the Peter Mac team but I was operated in the private system. Hope that helps.

Mrs_Katie_06

Thankyou @Paris_24 for your kind response. I hope you are doing well at the tail end of this part of your treatment- what a journey! 💖

Cath62

@Mrs_Katie_06, always good to question treatment with your medical team. You have advice from 2 medical teams for chemo and I would go with their advice.

Surgery and radium deal with the local stuff and chemo does help to mop up any random cells that go hide and lying doment until another day. 

Having chemo is never a guarantee of cancer not coming back but from my perspective just do absolutely everything you can to stop this disease. 

If you are worried about chemo write all your concerns down and have a chat with your oncologist. They will answer your questions and ally your fear.

I had 4 months of chemo and I got through that. I didn't get sick but my hair fell out and i was tired. The cancer was halted for several years so that was great.

Best wishes with your decision and treatment.

Mrs_Katie_06

Thank you for your kind responses @Aska and @Cath62. I’m sorry you’ve both been through this also, and I am grateful for your helpful thoughts and support, cheers ☺️

mk24

@Mrs_Katie_06  ...did you end up having the chemo?