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 thank you yes I hope it is just an ingrown pimple of something like that but I never realised how stressed I would get from a small lump after becoming having bc. @arpie thank you and no it wasn’t a wired bra but it had a bit of lace and was a little tight. I agree with the other ladies and my fingers are crossed for both me and you @kitkatb for great results 🤞🏼
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Ditto - all the best for your U/S @kitkatb xx Take care xx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Good luck on Thursday @kitkatb. I hope it's as you suspect. K xox
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Sorry to hear you've been feeling crook with the chemo @Newby24 .... do what you have to do to get thru it xxx

The bra has probably just aggravated some scar tissue ... is it a wireless bra (sounds like something to do with a computer! LOL) Softies are the way to go. Can you also contact your Breast Care nurse or drop in on them?

Thinking of you - gentle hugs coming to you from me xxxx
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
No need for the apologies @Newby24 we know what you are going through and it just sucks. Just one foot in front of the other and you got this. Hopefully all good with you when you see the doctor tomorrow.. I have an U/S Thursday with a lump under my arm but i suspect that it is scarring from the surgeries last year. Good luck with your chemo in the morning and wishing you well. xox.
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
Thank you @Blossom1961 yes it does feel better as soon as I take my bra off. @iserbrown But it is a small lump so I will have to go to doctors and hopefully I am being over cautious and I get the all clear 🙏🏼
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24
It's difficult to compare as we all heal differently. A visit to the Doctor tomorrow will give you a medical opinion and hopefully peace of mind.
Take care
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
It gets swollen rather than rashy. It isn’t really a lump but the whole area which has had pressure swells. It generally goes down within 24 hours. I have worn a bra for the last three days and each night it is quite swollen. Today it started hurting so I just whipped off the bra and relief was instant. I think my body belongs to the bra burning days.
Newby24
Member
7 years ago
@Blossom1961 I had a lumpectomy with node clearance in December and started chemo in January. Even got my radiation dates yesterday and was feeling so good and then this happens 😡 did you have a lump or was it a rash cause my bc was in my right and under my left I get a rash but under my bc right breast I have a small lump but have to wait until tomorrow to see doctor. It’s right on my bra line.
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
@Newby24 I had a mastectomy and node clearance end November and I still swell up and get sore when I wear a bra for the day. Mine has all checked out fine but it is annoying. Just the way we heal I guess.

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New and so confused

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