I have just come back from my doctors appointment so now very confused, My Radiation oncologist said I need 4 weeks of treatment that was fine. Went to my next appoitment Chemo oncologist said it was up to me if I want chemo because it will only increase my % from 80% to 83% so do I go ahead and have chemo for only a 3% increase unsure what to do?? Has any one had this experience any advise would be helpful.
Hey Rachel
Thanks for your input it is tough to decide on your own future I have made my mind up and decided not to go with Chemo as I said the % is small I have no history in my family of breast cancer I am 50 years old not young like your self maybe that's why he called you back good luck with the 2nd opinion.
My percentage was in the 1-2% for chemotherapy too but probably easier as oncologist said he didnt recommend chemotherapy although he has patients that argue for it. I dont think of the 5 year issue and 'doing everything' as that isnt how i live my life; i can hold that there is some risk and i can also understand that not evveryone who has chemotherapy is cured; im not sure it works that way. I used my own feelings of being told that chemotherapy wasnt indicated --i felt a sense of relief and 'i can do this' a lot of the fear went out of it for me. What i did find tricky is until i went to radiation i thought that i was in a small minority when actually im not! Although my future imagined life has value--the last year has value too and im pleased that my life and my health and my families lives were able to function at a pretty normal level.
I think the other way! And that's what makes this network so wonderful,in that we can all give our opinions,and not be judged:) I am 59, and chose a mastectomy and chemo,because I wanted to do EVERYTHING I could to get rid of it once and for all.I didn't find chemo that bad at all,but I know that everyone is different.I think to,that it depends on the type and amount of chemo that you have. I only needed 4 rounds of Docetaxel.It really was Ok.Personally,I don't want to think to myself, 'well if it comes back I will deal with it the same way again 'I live every day now trying to be healthy,with what I eat,and also my exercise.I actually feel better than I ever did before.All the best with your decision Susan.xoxRobyn
Thank you Atmese Yes my way of thinking is also the % is not worth the damage chemo does.
Some one ask me the other day would I be happy whith my choice in 5 years time if I don't do the Chemo?
If it comes back I will deal with it the same way I am now take each step slowly and decide each stage as it comes so thanks again for your reply I will take it on board.
