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LauraB27's avatar
LauraB27
Member
3 months ago

Chemo treatment decision

I was diagnosed with IDC in my left breast in April 2025. I have had surgery and am now navigating treatment options. I had my tumour tested with the Oncotype DX test and it came back in the middle range for benefit of chemo being possible. I was hoping it would come back as either low score so no benefit or high score large benefit so I didn’t have to make the decision on whether to proceed. I discussed with my oncologist who was surprised it had come back as the score it did as he was convinced it would have been low. My tumour was 16mm had some lobular feature and DCIS and was also vascular but hadn’t got to the lymph nodes. So I do have an additional risk factor there. I feel like I want to know I’ve thrown everything at it so if it comes back I know I did my best as I’m a what if person. He supports this and my age he supports a decision to do chemo if I want to. 
I just want to hear stories of people who have had similar situations as I know the decision is individual based and that chemo won’t be a walk in the park either.

thanks in advance for any insights.

chemotherapy

9 Replies

  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    3 months ago

    HiLauraB27​ wishing you all the best for your treatment when it starts on Monday. I didn’t have oncotype testing so my experience is a little different to yours, and my cancer type (“triple positive” meaning HER2 +ve, Oestrogen positive and Progesterone positive) has specific targetted treatment.

    But I had a mindset the same asCath62​  in that I was looking to give myself the best chance of preventing recurrence. I did take into account the data from some of the trials and felt they supported a decision to go ahead with the treatment, although I accept as best I can there’s no 100 percent guarantees. 
    I also had a lumpectomy and took the recommended radiation therapy and finished the full course of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
    Now I take an oestrogen suppressing table (aka an aromatase inhibitor) to help prevent hormone triggered recurrence. 
    I think these are very personal decisions as people weigh up their choices but for me it gave me a sense of control that I had done what I could to give myself the best chance of dealing with breast cancer at this “early stage”

    I am sending you lots of positive energy and good wishes for the weeks ahead! 

    • LauraB27's avatar
      LauraB27
      Member
      3 months ago

      Thank you I had my first chemo session today and so far I’m feeling ok, I’m hoping that will continue.

      • Tri's avatar
        Tri
        Member
        3 months ago

        Hope you’re doing okay and finding the chemo treatment manageable so far LauraB27​ 

  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    3 months ago

    Hi LauraB27​ in 2020 i was diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer. I had no lymph involvement and all margins clear. I threw everything at it,surgery, chemo, radium and then hormone suppression. I had a very high ki67 factor that showed a high rate of return hence full on treatment.

    Fast forward to 2023 and despite all that it came back at metastatic disease. I am glad I threw absolutely everything at it so I have no doubt in my mnd that I didnt leave some out of my trtreatmentit doesnt happ to everyone.  Even my oncologist shocked this happened to me . She reviewed everything we did to prevent this for me. I just got very unlucky. 

    Best wishes with your treatment decisions. I don't want to frightened you but sharing my story to help people understand this disease is really very serious.

    • LauraB27's avatar
      LauraB27
      Member
      3 months ago

      Thank youCath62​  for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear that it returned and hope that you are doing well. I have decided to stick with my gut instinct and go ahead with the chemo so that I know I did all I could. First round is on Monday. I know there are no guarantees with this either but I’m giving it my best shot.

  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    3 months ago

    Hi LauraB27 - thankyou for starting the conversation. 

    While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the below resources useful:

    Chemotherapy treatment for early breast cancer
    Side effects of chemotherapy
    Ten tips to manage chemotherapy for breast cancer

    Cancer Council 13 11 20 
    Anyone can call Cancer Council 13 11 20 - cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals. Cancer Council is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory. Specially trained staff are available to answer your questions about cancer and offer emotional or practical support.  They also have a resource Understanding Chemotherapy booklet

    Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.