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SUSAN_SCHMIDT's avatar
11 years ago

Chemo

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.

 

5 Replies

  • 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. 

  • Hi Susan. I also had to make the decision and decided against the chemo. I think the doctors have to offer it to all of their patients. Mine was a 5% difference and when I broke this down it became a 1 in 20 improvement!!! Not a great increase for the trauma of chemo. I am 65y old and decided not to put my body through any more stress then was absolutely necessary. I also had a good talk with the breast nurse. All the best in your decision making. Margaret