? Chemotherapy

Hi TCH- that sounds like a difficult decision. My situation is a bit different as the oncologist recommended chemotherapy for me (stage 2; grade 2/3; premenopausal). She was able to see on her computer the likely survival benefit chemotherapy would give in my situation and it was over the threshold where she would recommend chemotherapy. It may be worth discussing at your next appointment if you have not already done so, the likely benefits and risks in that situation in more detail to see if that would assist. I was also offered oncotype testing but decided against it as in my situation it would not have changed the treatment. Perhaps in a case like yours, it would be worth considering that test to get more detailed information on the risk of recurrence to help inform your decision. Wishing you well with your treatment :)

Hi there TCH​, What was you ki67 number? Mine was very high and unfortunately even though I had chemo, the cancer metastasised 3 yrs down the track. My original bc was ER and pr positive, her2 negative, grade 3 cells, 17mm tumor, no lymph involvement but ki67 was at about 70% so very high. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins, radium, chemo and hormone suppression but just bloody unlucky with it metastasised 3 yrs later.

Ask some more questions about your risk profile and likelihood of return so you can weigh it all up.

I wasn't really given a choice on chemo but I was advised it was my best chance and actually when I was diagnosed with metastatic disease my oncologist was shocked as she said she thought i was over treated with my original bc.  I think that ki67 factor and the grade3 cells are important factors in considering treatment options.

Hi TCH​ the early days of diagnosis can be overwhelming, don't be afraid to ask more questions if you feel you need to before you make decision.

My diagnosis was similar, IDC 20mm er pr + her2- ki67 30%, grade 3, but I also had 1 lymph node involved.

My oncologist strongly recommended chemo, so I decided to do it.

My treatment was lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy and abemaciclib for 2 years. 

All the best for your ongoing treatment.

HiTCH​ 

good luck with your decision making. The network folks have already shared some helpful information. In my case the recommendation made to me for my cancer type (HER2 positive, ER+ and PR+) was very strongly for chemotherapy, lumpectomy and  radiation.
After listening to the data from relevant trials I also found it helpful to understand that having chemo might help eliminate cancer cells present in any “distant sites”. 
A big part of my decision was probably more of a gut reaction and to take as big a swing as I could with the available options in my first treatment. 
Wishing you well as you make your decision.