Deciding about Chemotherapy

Hey Karen

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

You may not be a scientist, doctor, oncologist or researcher but obviously from reading your story I get the feeling that you are very intelligent.

I was stage II and at the time did not hesitate to have chemotherapy as not having the intelligence, time, knowledge etc. etc. to research further I just put my faith into the Medical Team who was dealing with my diagnosis.  

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy where 2 nodes (micromestastes) -spelling sorry- were involved and then I had total axillary clearance where no further nodes were involved.  They did not get a full clearance of the tumor due to being too close to the chest wall.

I decided at the time that I would do whatever was necessary to remove the cancer from my body which meant the surgery followed by 6 doses of 2 different chemo's and 37 sessions of radiotherapy. I currently have another 3 1/2 years of Femara to contend with and I had no hesitation in having this treatment.

If I had my time again with having the knowledge I have now and with what I have been through I would have to really consider my options but I honestly think I would put my faith in my Medical Team once more and deal with the consequences so to speak.  Chemotherapy is one of the most scariest things we will ever have to contend with in our whole lives I believe but I would do it again if it meant saving my life as I not ready to die BUT I would go in to it being much fitter and healthier if possible.

This is my story which as you say every single solitary persons story is different and I can sympathise 110% in that it must have been an extremely stressful time for you in having to come to your decision huny as it is a real real tough one.  I would like to say that heaven forbid that if I had to ever go down this horrific track again I would like someone like you on my side doing the thorough research for me.

I am sure you have decided and I hope you run with that decision and dont look back and dont have any regrets.  We all have the fear that our bloody cancer may return whether we have had chemo or not so living with that "after fear" is always there.

Luv always, Mich xoxoxoxoxo