Forum Discussion

citizen_erased's avatar
citizen_erased
Member
13 years ago

Newly diagnosed, deciding on chemo

Hi all,

My mum was recently diagnosed and has had 2 surgeries, removing part of the breast and 10 lymph nodes. Although it was 'early' breast cancer - 5mm, it already spread to the first lymph node - 4mm.

She has many other health problems already (56yo, but has had a very hard life), and is trying to decide whether to have chemo. It would be good to be sure, especially since her other breast is now feeling like the one with cancer did last year; but the flip side is the chemo seems to be very harsh, and all the symptoms they talk about (rashes, itching, muscle and joint aches, arthritis, diarrhoea, etc) - she already has!!

So it seems like all of those will just be exacerbated, and even more will be added (alopecia, etc).

Anyone been in a similar situation?? They're suggesting 4 x doses of docetaxel & cyclophosphamide. 

Thank you. I hope all your journeys are going well!!

chemotherapy

6 Replies

  • kad999's avatar
    kad999
    Member
    13 years ago
    Well I had my first chemo today. Other than the difficulty finding a good vein (they are recommending a port before the next one) it wasn't too bad. Much shorter than the other people in the room too. Now to see what side effects come my way...... Kathy
  • Jody's avatar
    Jody
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi,

    I know where you are coming from. I am 49 and diagnosed in March this year.

    I have had a shitty time in my life as well health wise and myself, hubby and all my family and friends said OMG why does everything happen to you!!!.

    Well I go tomorrow to find out about my treatment which is Chemo, Radiation and then 5 years on tablets - A bit scared to hear what they will say.

    My Oncologist gave it to me straight - Told me the % of having chemo and the % of not having chemo - it will be worth the crap that comes along with it to be in the 90% range.

    My Oncoligist said you will get hot flushes - DO NOW

    He said you can take a certain tablet to help with that - I TAKE THAT NOW does not help.

    He said you will most likely get aches and pains - I DO NOW.

    So DITTO i know what you mean.

    As the others said everyone is different and reacts differenlty, but I really do know the worry you have for your mum.

    If she does go down the path of Chemo - I AM, she is a very lucky lady to have you in her life, just be there for her for when and if she needs you.

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

    Jody

    Please let me know how you all go.

     

     

     

     

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thinking of you today Kathy and hope all goes well.Lots of love, Mich xoxo
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago
    HiI am so sorry to hear your mum has BC. It sounds like she has already been doing it tough the poor luv.  You are a beautiful daughter to come on here and ask your questions.Would I do it again???? yes most definitely!!!!!As Moira says everyone will deal with it differently and there is so much out there to help us with any symptoms we come across.One blessing is that your mum only needs the 4 doses of chemo so that is good.I must admit I had no hesitation in having chemo as I knew I needed and wanted to do everything that I could so I could live and watch my beautiful family grow and blossom and I am happy to say I am seeing all that happen now and I have no regrets of the tough time I went thru.  .It is a very tough decision and I am sure your mum will make whatever decision she feels is right for her.  It sounds like she has first great supporter in you.I wish you both the very best in coming to terms with the BC diagnosis and the decision making.Lots of love, Mich xoxo
  • moira1's avatar
    moira1
    Member
    13 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your mum, sounds like she has and is having a hard time.

    You have come to the right place for support, and I must say having a daughter support like you are obviously doing is great.

    Everyone on the journey of bfreast cancer is different, as is the side effects of treatment, so hopefully if your mum chooses to go with the treatment, she will have mild side effects, there is so much they do for us now to help with the side effects.

    Have you registered for the free My Journey Kit through this site, it is invaluable, with a journal, and also lots of information for everyone family friends included and is put together with women who have done the journey.

    Please keep comming back onto our network, there is a lot of great support here for both you and your mum, by women and men who are going through or have been through what you are going through now, and remember no question is stupid on here.

    Good luck and Regards

    Moira c

  • moira1's avatar
    moira1
    Member
    13 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your mum, sounds like she has and is having a hard time.

    You have come to the right place for support, and I must say having a daughter support like you are obviously doing is great.

    Everyone on the journey of bfreast cancer is different, as is the side effects of treatment, so hopefully if your mum chooses to go with the treatment, she will have mild side effects, there is so much they do for us now to help with the side effects.

    Have you registered for the free My Journey Kit through this site, it is invaluable, with a journal, and also lots of information for everyone family friends included and is put together with women who have done the journey.

    Please keep comming back onto our network, there is a lot of great support here for both you and your mum, by women and men who are going through or have been through what you are going through now, and remember no question is stupid on here.

    Good luck and Regards

    Moira c