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

Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@kitkatb @arpie @jennyss
been really great weather lately so I have got out a little bit. Thank you for your beautiful comments and again so sorry getting back to you so late 💕
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Sorry everyone as I haven’t been commenting as much as I am feeling sick. I am going to have 3/4 chemo tomorrow morning and I thought I was going good but went out for the day yesterday and put a bra on and then last night when I took it off I noticed a small lump under my bra line. It has scared me so much. I tried to contact my doctor today but she won’t be in until tomorrow. So another sleepless night for me 😡
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Thanks for the comments everyone. Finally sun today and flooding receding slowly up here. :)
arpie
Member
7 years ago
OMG. Stay safe, @kitkatb .... I hope it all starts to recede soon. BIG HUGS xx

SO ‘Australian’ that the top half if flooding, the middle is in drought and the bottom is burning. :(

all the best @Newby24 ... I hope everything settles down and treatment procedes without a hitch

big hugs coming your way xx
jennyss
Member
7 years ago
Dear @Newby24, I am in the Dubbo area. We have had storms two nights in a row; 11ml and 14ml - very good!
Good to hear your chemo is going well so far.
I loved my oncology unit: great care during chemo in 2017 and good follow-up ongoing. Certainly not pushed out the door.

from jennyss in Western NSW
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@Flaneuse yes two days ago they were going to call chemo 2 off as blood pressure was really really low and now it is really high. As is my diabetes but I think if I can sleep for a few days I should be right only problem is need to keep waking to drink water and keep hydrated. It’s such a rocky road 😬 thanks for the comment.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24 It sounds as though you're having a rough time too. Hope you can relax a bit and get that blood pressure sorted. Take care. :)
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Yes please stay dry and safe up that way. We actually have rain tonight as well first day today second time this week though. Lots of lightning and thunder but we still in drought area in Central/Western NSW. @kmakm sorry to hear your having a bad day. I feel okay only diabetes playing up again now n blood pressure is up after being really down for days 😬
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
@kitkatb
Hopefully the możzies won't be too much trouble! Here's to being high and dry
Take care
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @Flaneuse . Have been cut off for a few days now and finally got through to town today. Still raining though and another 4 inches last night but expecting hot humid weather next week ( great ) Wait for the explosion of Mozzies now. xox

Forum Discussion

New and so confused

165 Replies

Recent Discussions

Triple Positive HER2+

Feeling lost

Second Opinion

Inoperable

Recommendations-North Brisbane -Public v Private- Surgeons