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.

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.

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.

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.

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 xox

Thanks for all the advice. Started my Premeds today. Have a long day tomorrow. 9am at hospital to meet Pharmacist, Nurse and Social worker. 11.30 see Oncologist to go over side effects and sign consent forms. 1pm start chemo till about 3.45pm. Saw radiology oncologist last week and will have a planning session in March and start in April if chemo goes to plan. Had my bone density scan done also. When do you start Hormone therapy?. Must remember to write things down. My daughter coming with me in the morning and hubby will come sit with me in the afternoon. He has been through chemo for bowel cancer so knows the go. will keep everyone one posted on my travels and sure I will be asking for help along the way xoxo:| :| :|

new diagnosis | BCNA Online Network

43 Replies

Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@jomaree hope it gets easier for you, thinking of you n sending hugs
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
I was the same as @Blossom1961, I only had them in the first round. Grin and bear it, but ask your onc what they recommend if it happens again. K xox
arpie
Member
7 years ago
:( Thinking of you, @Jomaree Definitely let your onc know - I hope it settles down for you soon. xx
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
@jomaree I am not sure what to recommend. I just curled up and felt sorry for myself. I didn’t get this on my subsequent rounds, just the first one. Hang in there, hopefully it will be the same for you, but let your onco know so that if it does happen again she may have something for it. I think it was my body’s way of saying it wasn’t liking me very much. Just know that every person reading your post will be sending you virtual hugs. xxx
jomaree
Member
7 years ago
getting intense gut cramps. Toiletries are normal and drinking plenty of water, so not fun.
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Thinking of you @jomaree agree with the others about exercise even if it's just a lap around the garden.xo
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Yep, some exercise mitigates the side effects. And on those days when you've done nothing else, it gives you a sense of achievement. K xox
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Take it easy. Try to get some gentle exercise if you can.
jomaree
Member
7 years ago
Was doing ok up until yesterday then hit the deck. Took things easy and hopefully today will be better Thanks everyone <3
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@CathyMac hope you also are coping and I hope you have a good weekend cause Monday will come quick enough. Hugs to you 💕