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

Sister
Member
7 years ago
Good to have it diagnosed @Newby24 and no doubt, a weight of your mind.
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Thanks everyone everyone for your lovely comments and @Flaneuse I will try the warm saline wash. It is very small and it has a tiny head but I have been showering and the just body washing to keep the are really clean, hopefully the antibiotics will help clear it up a little quicker 💕 I love the forum, always make me feel better 💕
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24 That's good to have a diagnosis. Abscesses develop very easily during chemo when your resistance is down, apparently. I got one in the middle of my first round and it came back three times. Warm saline washes may help to prevent a recurrence. Mine was on my labia and I sat in saline sitz baths every day for weeks!
tigerbeth
Member
7 years ago
Great news @Newby24 ,you've got this !!xx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Excellent news @Newby24! K xox
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
Great result!! Yay! Glad to hear chemo 3 is done 😊
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
Good result! Lol!
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
All good everyone Doctor said it’s a small abscess and has put me on antibiotics 👍🏼 You probably all know what I’m thinking lol that hope the doctor is right haha but I have faith in her. Well chemo 3 done n dusted and only one to go then rads. Thank you everyone who listens to me and takes time out to comment it really does mean everything 💕
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@Sister yes I’m at chemo now but I am intending on going to my gp as soon as I leave here 👍🏼
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Best to get it checked out, even if nothing more than to ease your mind. I've never been a big fan of bras (always off the minute I walked in the door) but I find wearing one all day now quite painful at the lower side of the mastectomy site - no rash but slightly swollen and really tender and lace can cause further irritation.

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New and so confused

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