Forum Discussion
No to Chemo?
Just wondering if there are others out there who have decided to say no to chemo? I've been researching and reading constantly and have no problem with accepting radiotherapy and hormone treatment for 5 years, just not chemo. I know the risks and the stats and know that if I make this decision I have to be at peace with it and accept any consequences. Have another visit with Oncologist next week and then i need to make a decision. I know this will horrify my family and friends and guess that's my main dilema, do I say yes for their sake or do what I want and not have the chemo? Any thoughts?
11 Replies
- Thanks Deanne, I feel like I am having a real battle with this decision so am grateful to be able to unload even slightly on here. I have come up against some very strong reactions from family already when I've mentioned that I may not do the chemo and it blows me away! These are the times we learn a lot about ourselves and others I guess. I don't expect people to agree with my decision but am hoping that they can accept it without making me feel guilty and I'm seeing that not everyone will be able to do that. This is the hardest part for me, I know they want me to do chemo because they care and think I should do everything possible to fight this but if I don't agree that it's for me I don't want to have to defend my decision for the rest of my life. I agree that chemo is no guarantee that cancer won't return in some form but that's the risk I will choose to take. I've had the surgery and am open to doing radiotherapy and hormone therapy for 5 yrs so am not totally refusing treatment. Sick of thinking about it, it's all I do! Need to get back to oncologist and make this decision - will happen this coming week.
Thank you for your post, it has cleared up so much for me. Yes I am focusing on the benefits being 2% . I did see a visiting oncologist as the other is away but I get to see her on my next visit, he seemed to be pro chemo whereas my surgeon thought it overkill. I feel so much better for reading these posts and clearer in my decisions.
The media are after the best story to give the best impact on their ratings, not the general publics feelings. It really annoys me but that seems to be the way in our digital age.
Thank you for your post, it has cleared up so much for me. Yes I am focusing on the benefits being 2% . I did see a visiting oncologist as the other is away but I get to see her on my next visit, he seemed to be pro chemo whereas my surgeon thought it overkill. I feel so much better for reading these posts and clearer in my decisions.
The media are after the best story to give the best impact on their ratings, not the general publics feelings. It really annoys me but that seems to be the way in our digital age.
The two Oncologist that I saw both went by this score, I was borderline for Chemo, but when the Ki-67 score came into play the choice was made for me. Basically my cancer cells were reproducing so slowly that it would be like dropping 20kgs of slug killer to kill one very slugish slug. LOL easy way to explain it. By shutting down the ferterlizer (my hormones) that would be enough to shut off the food source of my cancer.
The second Oncologst has just returned from France where this test has been used for many years, so I guess not all Australian Onco's request it to be done?? Not sure?
Here is a link that may explain it better than I have with my slugs.
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/tumormarkers/f/ki67.htm
Cheers Candice
What is low ki-67?
I have the same decision to make. I met my oncologist for the first time yesterday where she gave me the optiin of chemo. My ILC was 2cm in size PR neg, ER weak at 10%, HER neg, not in my lymph nodes, my surgeon said i would only need radiation, my oncologist wished my er recptor was higher, she offered chemo but did say the benefits would be the same as you dragonlover so where does that leave me or us when they leave the decision making totally up to us? I have until next week to decide, my partner will support me in any decision.
I can't forget what the doctor said on leaving, if it returns there is lesser chance of recovery.....resounded like a heavy door shutting. I know the decision is up to us as individuals but its funny what we remember.
I agree wholeheartedly with what Deanne has said.
Everyone of us is an unique individual and our breast cancers are also very individual. Make an informed decision based on what you want to do.
When we are diagnosed our lives become about us not about pleasing those around us. Often this is a difficult balancing act but the love of those around us always prevails.
Best wishes,
Helen.
