I am Grade 2, sentinel lymph node free, deciding if the 4 or 5% difference of having Chemo or going straight into radiation and onto tablets and with the added severe family history of kidney and heart disease. So confused ‘do I do Chemo or not’ I know it’s my decision but would like to know if other women have same or similar diagnosis. The oncologist said last week you have 6% extra chance of survival and then today said 4 or 5%.

All I know is @Newby24: when I was diagnosed with stage 1, 16 years ago, a nurse near where I worked, chose to try the natural route. She didn't have chemo. or any sort of conventional treatment. She died not long after.I had AC chemo., Tamoxifen for 5 years, tried Arimidex but it gave me migraines, so I didn't continue with it.I am still alive. I do have mets but I can still do most things I used to. I push myself continuously.To look at me, you would have no idea of my diagnosis. Do what ever you can to stop this disease. Your doctors know best.

This is so hard cause today I woke and am thinking as most people say if I want to fight I have to throw everything possible at it. I also sometimes feel guilty as some people on here are giving it all they can and in some cases over and over. Thank you to everyone that commented it really means a lot.

You know, they talk about fighting and battles as if it's something that we can win if we try hard enough. The truth is, you do what you can do, and hope that it is enough - there's no fighting involved. You listen to the experts' advice, weigh it up against quality of life, and go ahead. You either get lucky with the draw or you don't. So, do what feels right for you and then move on without guilt.

If you are running out of the spew pills, ring oncology and they will organise a script for you. Do not go without, just don't. It sounds like you are coping really well, so give yourself the best chance you can of being comfortable. If, and it is an 'if' you end up getting bone pain from the Neulasta shot it will probably be on Sunday. Don't muck around with it, take what ever pain relief you can and if you are still in trouble on Monday, go back to the hospital and demand something stronger. Suffering is for saints, no need for the rest of us to put up with it.Reactions to the colony booster (it stimulates your bone marrow to make more white cells) vary greatly; at least your nurse gave you a heads up. Some people have a bit of discomfort, for others (like me) it was a totally body toothache and I needed to pull out the big guns --targin is good-- until I found out about taking Claratyne to help reduce the pain. The theory is the pain is bone odema and the antihistamine reduces it. The key is starting the day before chemo and continuing for a week. Every chance you won't have any trouble, but if you do,, ask your oncologist if you can try it next round. It's standard practice in many clinics and others poo poo it and say it doesn't work. I had chemo twice in ten years, it worked for me.Keep up the good work! Mxx

Have you a doctor or specialist who can advise specifically in relation to your family history? The oncologist is trying to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence but you may find a decision easier if someone else with specialist knowledge can advise about the potential risks some chemotherapies may have in relation to other health factors. These risks may actually be very small but you are entitled to know about them. Your treatment is your decision but you want to make it with as much information as possible. Seeking a second, specialised opinion is just being practical. Best wishes.

New and so confused | BCNA Online Network

165 Replies

iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/

The link above may broaden your understanding and there are links within that page

Take care
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Thank you and I did see my cancer nurse today and asked her lots of questions, I then went to dietician and asked about foods while on chemo and then to my local doctor and asked about my family history and chemo so I had a full overhaul of blood counts and get results back Wednesday. I have put my chemo back a week so I can further investigate. My cancer nurse contacted my oncologist today and told him of my fears and he said with only the 4 to 5% difference he would be okay with me not going down the chemo track. So I am totally confused.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Have you a doctor or specialist who can advise specifically in relation to your family history? The oncologist is trying to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence but you may find a decision easier if someone else with specialist knowledge can advise about the potential risks some chemotherapies may have in relation to other health factors. These risks may actually be very small but you are entitled to know about them. Your treatment is your decision but you want to make it with as much information as possible. Seeking a second, specialised opinion is just being practical. Best wishes.
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Sorry I am really new and I think they said grade 2 because of the size. They apparently got it all and the margins are quite clear.
Chelley59
Member
7 years ago
Sorry Newby24 are you saying your BC is stage 2 ...there are stages of the ca and grades of the cancer x

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New and so confused

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