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Sue_Jones's avatar
Sue_Jones
Member
10 years ago

And more decision making; how much more of this can I take!

I am really sorry that this is not one if my normal flarey blog posts but everything is taking its toll on me and my head is just so overwelmed with emotions, information, thoughts, etc.......  So it is Tuesday, November 17, we have been to the oncologist and this is the news! The cancer has been removed, there is no evidence of cancer being in my lymph nodes or in the lymphatic system in my breast. The type of cancer I had responds strongly to positively to oestrogen. ?? I am told that I don't need chemo! Very happy I am.  So after I go onto hormonal therapy and have my mastectomy this will reduce my chances of getting cancer back again by 88-89% I'm told.  Then she went on to say, If I do a 12 week program of a low dose of chemo, 4 sessions - once every 3 weeks, I will reduce my chances of it returning by 91-92%. She finishes by saying that it is totally up to me.  I walk out feeling numb and confused and struggling to take in the positives,  So yes there is lots of great news but I still have to make a decision whether to do chemo or not. With doing chemo, yes I would lose my hair (worries me big time) but other side affects should be minimal, maybe tiredness, constipation or diahera, tingling and some joint pain. I have to make this decision by next Tuesday. If I do the chemo, the chemo would be done first then followed by the hormonal therapy and mastectomy. Still trying to take this all in and Tim is telling me to be positive about it all and not look at the glass half empty. So yes I am trying but it is so hard. It is weighing up all the pros and cons, the what ifs, all yucky aspects of chemo, etc....... Normality is not in my vocab and I don't know if I can take much more of this, struggling to process it all.  I have since spoken to my hubby more, BC nurse, GP, family and friends, some with varying views, but they all have said that it is totally my decision and one that I need to be happy with and feel comfortable to live with.  On top if this I still have to investigate my reconstruction options but this will now have to come later.  On a positive note, a big surprise is coming my way next week after the next oncologist visit and involves a plane.  A certain love of my life is not giving anything away but I'm not available for about 8 days.  This suspense is killing me!!! ??  Thank you ladies for all your kind thoughts and words of encouragement and support in my journey so far. ????

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  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue - your Oncologist has been very thorough in giving you all the options.  You're gathering encouragement and opinions from family and friends to help you decide what is the best option for you. 

    Robyn mentioned that she chose the chemo option as she wanted to give it all.  I admire Robyn for that.

    I didn't choose chemo as the gain was less than 3%.  I asked the Oncologist at the initial appointment if I missed the chemo option what was the preferred course of treatment for me.

    At present I'm having  issues, which I'm not sure if they were already simmering or if medication has brought it on, so the chemo option may come back into the equation.................that will be discussed next week when I have my review.

    I've also had a mastectomy which was immediate, I think your journey has been lumpectomy and now mastectomy.  I've had expander and changeover surgery and extremely pleased with the result.

    At the end of the day you have to find time to reflect and decide what is best for you both emotionally and physically...............it's not easy!

    I wish you well and I'm sure you will have the confidence to make a decision that you'll be happy with.

    Take care

    Christine

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello Sue,it never seems to end does it?My cancer was like yours,in that it hadn't spread to the lymph nodes ,however when my oncologist,a Professor in Sydney,suggested chemo,I didn't hesitate.My way of thinking is that I will never take a chance with cancer,even if the difference is just a few percent.That few could mean the difference between the cancer being wiped out OR returning.I had four rounds of chemo,starting November 2013. Believe it or not,after my hair fell out ( but I also had my head shaved first) on day 14,I grew to love being bald!! It is so freeing,so cool in the hot weather,showers are shorter because there is no body hair to get rid of!!!!There are some gorgeous turbans,hats ,etc. so colourful,to get you through summer,if this is the road you choose.I know other ladies will not agree with me,but I just wanted to give my perspective.Please stay in touch.Cheers Robyn xox

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Ask a bit more about this low dose chemo. My mum has a friend who had a mastectomy already and she is 75. Her chemo is given with a daily tablet so not too invasive. Who knows, she might be one of those ladies who lives to 95 no problems so that chemo could be just about guaranteeing another 20yrs of cancer free life.