Forum Discussion

Atmese's avatar
Atmese
Member
12 years ago

Chemo or not

I visited the medical oncologist yesterday. Went in confident I was not going down the chemo path. Now I am unsure and need to make a decision by Monday before starting radiation. The visit was information overload, thankfully my daughter came along. The data that came from the program was 1out of 6 risk of cancer returning with no chemo and 1out of 10 with chemo. Not bad odds but higher then I expected. My general health data went down from very good to good after the doctor heard a heart murmur and thinks I have aortic incompetence. Now off for more tests. I would prefer the doctors to tell me what to do not leave it up to me. I am 65 years old. One good thing was I got to meet the breast nurse. Margaret.
chemotherapy

6 Replies

  • Atmese's avatar
    Atmese
    Member
    12 years ago
    I decided against chemo. Maybe it would be different if I was a young woman with little children. I went to the GP and had a discussion before letting the oncologist know. The difference in risk was low. Karen, I did read your post and it was informative, thanks. If it comes back down the track I will never know if it was because of not having the chemo or I was just one of those who was going to get it anyway. The results of my bone density came back indication I am in the osteopenia stage. Another issue to face in the future when I start on the hormone pill. Off for first radiation Monday morning. Margaret
  • Karensky's avatar
    Karensky
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Margaret

    I recently had a similar experience with not expecting to be told I should have chemo.  I could not get a second opinion (got a referral but she was too busy) so I did my own research.  I wrote about it on this network a week or two ago.  My decision, based on solid research for my specific stage,grade and histopathology was no chemo, but every cancer is different and every person is different.  Good luck with making your decision - the most important thing is that it feels right for you.  Best wishes Karen :)

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    It is a difficult decision,but for me,I chose all that was offered to me.I had surgery,followed by chemo,and now I am on Tamoxifen.I am 6 months past chemo,and I feel really well.I never wanted to have to say " if only I had gone with the chemo " months or years down the track.I agree however,that it is a very personal decision,but when we are given chances as percentages,I say go for the biggest.Take care Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    Know what you mean about decisions. I was strongly advised to have chemo because of dreadful family history. When I saw the oncologist, she gave me a choice of 12wks or 18wks treatment. Expected her to tell me what to do, she explained it's my body, my life, and gave me all the info to read. I made an informed decision that the 18wk treatment would be more beneficial. It really is information overload! In the end, I went for the treatment that I think would give me the least regrets down the track. It's good you met the breast nurse, their help is invaluable. I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope your treatment goes ok, take care, 

    Hazel xx

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    Know what you mean about decisions. I was strongly advised to have chemo because of dreadful family history. When I saw the oncologist, she gave me a choice of 12wks or 18wks treatment. Expected her to tell me what to do, she explained it's my body, my life, and gave me all the info to read. I made an informed decision that the 18wk treatment would be more beneficial. It really is information overload! In the end, I went for the treatment that I think would give me the least regrets down the track. It's good you met the breast nurse, their help is invaluable. I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope your treatment goes ok, take care, 

    Hazel xx

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    12 years ago

    Know what you mean about decisions. I was strongly advised to have chemo because of dreadful family history. When I saw the oncologist, she gave me a choice of 12wks or 18wks treatment. Expected her to tell me what to do, she explained it's my body, my life, and gave me all the info to read. I made an informed decision that the 18wk treatment would be more beneficial. It really is information overload! In the end, I went for the treatment that I think would give me the least regrets down the track. It's good you met the breast nurse, their help is invaluable. I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope your treatment goes ok, take care, 

    Hazel xx