Help...I'm so confused :) Chemo or no to chemo??

Hi, Kazza, I was diagnosed in Feb. and had grade 1 estrogen positive, tumor removed, radiation in May. I am 53 years, I was given the option as to have chemo or not, my Breast Dr. said yes, the oncologist said that it was up to me, after giving me all the stats, then I read so much that I became confused, I ended up getting a third opinion from my GP, who said that I must have the radiation, and the hormone tablets, but not the chemo. So that I what I did. I believe everyone has to do what is right for them. Only you can make the decision, if you have all the information, you can then make an informed choice. Good luck.

Hi

third time lucky at posting. 

I had a 19mm tumour, ER and PR positive. After the lumpectomy I had clear margins, no lymph node involvement. HER 2 negative. I had hoped for only radiation BUT my oncologist recommended that i have chemo as I had a high ki-67 - which meant the tumour was proliferating really fast and therefore made it an aggressive tumour (grade 3). They can't make us have treatment, but once recommended I knew I had to do it. I did not want to down the track be angry at myself that I dipped out on chemo. So I went ahead. It is a tough 3 months (I had the same chemo that you have been prescribed) - but it is doable. You have to look after yourself. I managed to work full time in an admin type role through it - with only several sick days on chemo day and when the steroids had stopped. It takes a while to fully recover but a year on I am feeling pretty well. Back to the gym and back to socialising. 

Look after yourself and you will find lots of support on this network whatever you decide. 

Marg x

Kazza, great pic of you and your sister.  5 kids and 3 amazing grandkids, that's beautiful.

Thanks for sharing and all the best with the decision.

(Your beautiful hair will grow back)

Karen xx

Hi it's me again!! I just wanted to tell you that my chemo was docetaxel AND cyclophosphamide, and as I said,I found it to be not too bad at all.By the way,gorgeous photo:):) Robyn

Sorry I do have kids, not sure why that got typed in.....5 wonderful kids, all young adults :)

This is me on the left and my baby sis on one of our nights out. The main pic on my profile I just uploaded is at my 50th last year with my youngest daughter.

I have 5 kids. 

2 girls, 26 & 31.

3 boys, 21, 23, & 25.

I also have 3 awesome grandkids too, 3, 5 & 9.

So much to live for :) :) :)

Hey Karen

Thanks for your reply.

Think I will do the walking as well, lots of women all say they have been doing it and it helps.. I've had to lose a lot of my mobility due to a fall in 2008, used to swim morning and night and dance till the sun come up. Back, Neck, Arm and Hip damage, plus asthma, migraines has all limited what I can and cannot do. So this on top of everything else is another barrier to overcome.

I will keep plugging along though. I do believe in better days ahead...xxx

Thanks Tracey B.

Checking out the wig, scarves etc options over the next week.

Appreciate your reply..xxx