Forum Discussion

Mary_Anne_2020's avatar
Mary_Anne_2020
Member
6 years ago

Chemo treatment or not

Good morning

This is my first post.

I was diagnosed with Multi focal Invasive Lobular Carcinoma 20 Nov 2019.  Was recommended by my specialist to have a Lumpectomy but I decided on a Mastectomy with full breast reconstruction of left breast.  Turns out besides the main tumor being 35mm but there was 2 small other tumors nearby of 1mm.  Two sentinel lymph nodes were also clear so it had not spread to other parts of my body.

Given the size of the main tumor and that is was close to the superficial margin I was recommended to see a Radiation and Chemo Therapist Oncologist.  At this stage I have been told I may not need Radiation,  yet to be confirmed.  Upon seeing the Chemo Oncologist I have to take Hormone Therapy,  which is tablets.

She also suggested to think about Chemo treatment. The Chemo can lower the risk further of the Cancer not coming back in other parts of my body.  I am a low risk of 1-3%.  It is my decision to make.  I can't take the tablets until I decide if I need Chemo or not.  The treatment would consist of 1 treatment every 3 weeks for 4 months (by drip).  I can't decide whether to have the Chemo or not. I would be on the TC Chemo.  I have looked at all the side effects and wondering if anyone else has been in the same situation as me.

Thank you!

Mary Anne
Reconstruction
treatment-decisions
  • Dory65's avatar
    Dory65
    Member
    6 years ago
    Hi Mary_Anne_2020,
    I had the Oncotype DX test done as my tumour was strongly hormone receptive. Turned out the benefit of chemo = less than 1% as long as I do Tamoxifen. I decided against chemo. I'm currently doing radiotherapy. I had a lumpectomy. More details in my Discussions. Good luck and best wishes.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    6 years ago
    Your oncologist will certainly favour a full dose - all I am saying is that if you find side effects too difficult, you can stop. And effort to that point may still be helpful. 
  • Mary_Anne_2020's avatar
    Mary_Anne_2020
    Member
    6 years ago
    Thank you!  That is most helpful.  Never thought of a partial dose.  I will check with my Dr.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    6 years ago
    Dear @Mary_Anne_2020

    It’s hard isn’t it? I wasn’t given much choice about chemo (given we all have a choice, we can all say no). But chemo for me was proposed as essential and I am (almost) happy that it was, as it’s a hard decision to make. Two things you may consider - if radiation is recommended, that with surgery and hormonal treatment may be effective. Second, chemo sounds very scary from the outset and is certainly not pleasant, but most of us get through it. Again, you have choices - you can not go there, given your low risk; or try it and see how you manage any side effects. You are not compelled to finish a course of chemo! Most dosage is designed to provide the maximum therapeutic outcome so may be a bit more that needed. A partial course may still have some benefit. And of course you may find that you don’t have too many side effects. So perhaps check out the radiation advice, and think further then. Best wishes.