28 unsure on what treatment plan to take

Hi Tamlyn. I was diagnosed this year too and was told chemo was up to me as it wasn’t clear about how beneficial it would be.  Tumour showed low possibility of recurrence but age wise I was at higher risk. I went for the Oncotype test. For me it was $5000 well spent. Showed a less than 1% benefit from chemo. Chemo can be pretty hard on the body so didn’t want to go through it unless I really had to. 

So it sounds like you'd be up for the same test as I had if you could afford it.

It's a tough one, and very individual. I had extenuating circumstances which led my oncologist and myself to think that the test was a good idea. It showed that chemo would be beneficial so I went ahead and did it. It was hard, but I have no regrets. I am comforted by the fact that I have done everything I could.

Is there someone else with whom you could talk this over? Have you been referred to a cancer specific counsellor? Do you see a psychologist? Have a breastcare nurse? Given you want to have kids I think it's really important to make a decision you're comfortable with.

@JJ70 and @suburbangirl might have some pointers for someone to talk to in Perth as well.

Hang in there sweets, you'll work it out. K xox

Hi @Tamlyn and @kmakm
Sorry to see you here @Tamlyn for all the obvious reasons, but know we all understand what we are all going through; even though we are all different and have our different pathways. 

Firstly, do you have to make a quick decision about whether or not to have chemotherapy? Could this decision wait until you have your ducks lined up and you can make a decision based on information provided?

Unfortunately I am unsure what to advise, especially now with the weekend and public holidays coming up. Apart from other members advice, I imagine you really need the facts /statistics on why they are suggesting chemo (or not to have chemo) from those who know your pathology, which would be your oncologist and surgeon. Could you make another appt to see your oncologist, or even talk on the phone with them, to help with your decision?

If needed there are other resources, BCNA, is someone available at Bunbury Hospital, or Royal Perth Hospital breast clinic 9224 2723 (office hours). They are fully staffed with a medical team including breast nurses. Also SCGH Breast clinic - I think their number is 9346 4590. I understand there is a breast clinic at FSH too. (Fiona Stanley Hospital)

Thinking of you especially during this difficult time and hoping you don't feel railroaded into a decision without having all the facts and time to consider. If you would like to chat anytime (on the phone) I am very happy to say hello. I understand you can private message people on this site?
xx

@kmakm it was 19mm and I spoke with the oncologist about the test but she didn’t seem to think it was worthwhile. 

I’ve had the tumour removed with a decent margin and 6 nodes which were all clear of cancer. I just feel like doing chemo for an extra 4% safety blanket, is really worth while? 

I was also advised by the fertility specialist not to freeze my eggs unless I was doing chemo. She seem to think fertility would be fine as long as I wasn’t in the tamoxifen at the time of pregnancy. 

Hi @Tamlyn. How big was your tumour? I ask because the Oncotype test is about $5000, but if your tumour is smaller there's a different test which is about $3000.

It is ghastly being diagnosed this time of year. It happened to me two years ago (dx 4/12), and "abandoned" is exactly the word I used. Everyone disappeared. I had woundcare questions and no one to ask, huge decisions to make and no one to talk them over with. So you have my sympathy!

Is there anyone at all in your oncologist or surgeon's office who you can ask about who to speak to in their absence? I'm with @primek, contact Perth Hospital, or maybe try the McGrath Foundation forca breastcare nurse who maybe able to help.

@JJ70 @suburbangirl, would you have any advice for @Tamlyn?

Keep in touch here. There's always someone who can help. Big hug, K xox

Thank you!

I had 6 nodes we’re taken and all were clear. Hence why I’m unsure on if chemo is necessary 

There is an oncotype dx test that can be done to see if chemo is worthwhile. It is expensive and I'm not sure how long the results take to come back.  

This link explains it.
https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/06/new-research-findings-confirm-the-benefit-of-the-oncotype-dx-tumour-profiling-test/

Contact the Perth Hospital as they probably have more than one breast care working at that hospital.

Do you have any nodes involved?

Good idea on egg collection even without chemo due to hormone therapy and at least they are stored when it's the right time.

Also somebody may still be answering the helpline Monday
https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/02/cancer-nurses-join-bcna-helpline/