I don't know what to do!

I was ready to throw the towel in half way through chemo because it was making me so sick. My dad ( who is a doctor) said...go on then, 3 treatments is better than none at all. BUT no matter how much I was suffering I felt that I had to go on and finish the treatments just to know that I did everything in my power that was offered to me. I'm glad I did. There's enough worry down the track about having breast cancer again. At least this way I feel that if by some small chance there was still cancer in me after my surgery...I had well and truly dealt with it. It's like having a clean slate. Good luck with your decisions. Speak to your oncologist. XXX

I've had a Grade 3 cancer. I had a bilateral mastectomy in Dec 2011 and lymph nodes removed. The cancer wasn't in the nodes. I've started Arimidex. The oncologist gave me the OPTION of having 4 cycles of chemo as well - Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide. I have to decide by tomorrow as apparently there is a 3 month window of time between diagnosis and treatment. I am worried about the permanent damage of these drugs such as kidney damage. Also I don't know if I should even have the chemo or not. Everytime I decide to have it I think I am silly because it could cause permanent damage. Then I think if I don't I haven't done everything in my power to get rid of any stray cancer cells! Can anyone talk to me who's been in a similar situation? Please?

Hi Mimi

I was diagnosed with stage 2B IDC in Sep 2010 at age 32. I have no children and because my tumour was hormone responsive and very fast growing, they wanted me to start Chemo straight away. I had no option but to to skip the IVF as it was too risky to pump me with hormones to be able to take my eggs. That and it was going to cost $4000.00 that I didnt have!! Everything happened so fast. I hated the fact you had to make discissions right there and then. I'm so glad you have the oportunity to freeze your eggs. I finished all my treatment in June 2011 and have been on Tamoxifen for 8 mnths now. As I still have my period the Onc has now insisted I also take Zoladex implants (to suppress my overies) as well. My chances of having any children in the future is grim. Which makes me very sad but hopeful that one day I could prove them all wrong! This site has helped me tremendously. Its encouraging and empowing to know there are so many women out there that are going through a similar journey. I wish you all the very best in what ever treatment you choose. Please stay in contact and keep posting. Take extra good care of yourself!

Hi Mimi

I was diagnosed with stage 2B IDC in Sep 2010 at age 32. I have no children and because my tumour was hormone responsive and very fast growing, they wanted me to start Chemo straight away. I had no option but to to skip the IVF as it was too risky to pump me with hormones to be able to take my eggs. That and it was going to cost $4000.00 that I didnt have!! Everything happened so fast. I hated the fact you had to make discissions right there and then. I'm so glad you have the oportunity to freeze your eggs. I finished all my treatment in June 2011 and have been on Tamoxifen for 8 mnths now. As I still have my period the Onc has now insisted I also take Zoladex implants (to suppress my overies) as well. My chances of having any children in the future is grim. Which makes me very sad but hopeful that one day I could prove them all wrong! This site has helped me tremendously. Its encouraging and empowing to know there are so many women out there that are going through a similar journey. I wish you all the very best in what ever treatment you choose. Please stay in contact and keep posting. Take extra good care of yourself!

Hi. everybody gave me kind message. Thank you for your kind message, It made me more storonger.

I have been sick in this couple of days. I just could not stop coughing and sore throat. I am already back to work after 5 days later I had mastectomy. I throught It is too early to back to work. but I wanted to keep me busy. but I might need a break a bit....

yes, I went to see gynecologist on 3rd. I just throught it was nice to see gynecologist!!  And they were so nice. he definitely recommend me egg freezing.  he also said   ""it might have a child naturally after finish all of treatment. but it make you feel better for back up ""   i agreed what he said. and I felt he is really trustworthy person.  but I had to decide the day to start or not. because I was having period the day. I wanted to think about it a couple of days for financially. but it means I have to wait next my period. it happened me so many time this time to have to make a decision the day. It was so hard to decide something such a short time... but I throught egg freezing is best way to make me feel good in the future.so I started it doing now. this is my 2nd days now. I will have egg collection on 13th....

and I have an appointment with medical oncology on 12th. so hopefully It make me help to think about chemo.

I have a question for you guys.

Do you know any natural therapy If someone do not take chemo?

or  

Do you know someone decided to not have chemo? and whats happen after that??

I know everybody think it is silly if i do not have chemo....but I just want to know that any chance to go throuh to other treatment instead of chemo....

thank you.

Ditto to Mel and a BIG hello to you Miss Lee S, would not have realised it was you unless you pointed out that we met in person!!!  Yes I have met some truely wonderful women on line throughout my breast cancer journey and had some wonderful experiences that I would not have had....2011 The Block with you Lee was definatly a highlight.

Be kind to yourselves and love lots. xxx

Tanya