Using the network -- connecting with others

I think whether you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy the decision as to have further treatment should lie in what your doctor says about this treatment.

For me (Mastectomy was the only option) my oncologist sat me and my partner down and began...

"If we do nothing...there is x% change the cancer will return...if you have hormone therapy...we can cut that % down by x%...if you have chemotherapy as well we can cut it down further by x%...so by the end of your treatment you have less chance of a recurrence.

He also went on to say if I only have the chemo...I only cut it down this amount...

Of course I was devastated to learn that I would need chemo - by his advisement. Though he gave me the option of not having it. Also by havin one treatment of it he said One is better than none, though four is better than one. So I opted for the four and the hormone therapy. For me - my mastectomy was a life saving operation. I wasn't going to stop further treatment just because I didn't like the idea of chemotherapy.

I wizzed through the first cycle like a dream - it was so easy and virtually no side effects. The second cycle was the opposite. I was sick all the long weekend and the following weekend was spent in hospital when I "caught" some bug that was going around even though the hospital couldn't find the source of my infection from my blood/urine samples.

I am still going to continue cos I still believe it is all contributing to a life saver and I will have less chance of a recurrence.

What it all boils down to is "The more you are informed - the better your decision is made" Ask your doctor for statistics, for suggestions, for reasons for those suggestions. Don't be afraid to ask silly questions. The only way you can make a better decision is to be more informed.

Good luck with your treatment.

PS I am 52 and pre-menopausal. There are some great anti-nausea meds if that is what you are worried about. Everyone reacts differently - being positive always helps. You are not alone in your journey. Hope this helps

Sandy