New to this so not sure if i'm in the right place. Diagnosed in October, have had 2 surgeries. Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and 2 weeks ago axiliary dissection. Have seen the medical oncologist and know I will have hormone therapy as oestrogen + also radiation therapy still waiting for appointment. Oncologist says my choice to have Chemo but not recommended as only 1% advantage for survival. My head says listen and follow medical advise but my gut is saying go for it, need to give an answer by next week. So confused.

It is your choice and nobody else's. I've always listened to that "Small Voice" that guides a person one way or the other. Percentages are all very fine and well, until you become one. Older members here will probably start rolling their eyes about now as I tell you a bit of my past. I used to be a very active skydiver, with 1637 jumps under my belt. I only ever used my reserve once, but I can assure You I was glad I had one. That reserve added about an extra 30% weight and a similar amount of extra bulk. Probably cost about double what a rig without a reserve would have cost too. Also cost more in so far as the reserve had to be checked and repacked by a Master Rigger...used or not, every 200 jumps or once a year, whichever came first. The overall statistics for skydivers needing reserves is about 1 in 200 jumps, so about half of one percent. I've jumped all over the world with thousands of highly experienced meatbombs and have yet to know one who does not step out the door from 12,000ft without a reserve. Oh and by the way. 1% of kids in a large school with a thousand pupils is 10 kids. That one percent probably means a lot to those ten kids and their families. That's all I have to say about percentages. Each of us makes our own choices and then lives with them. Good luck with your treatment as you decide with your team, what that will be.

Thanks so much for your support. Not sure when I start but already know it is adjuvant TC (docetaxel and cyclophosphamide0 every 21 days for four cycles. Have always gone for what everyone else suggested in situations in my life and have learnt the hard way that I should have listened to myself. This is my illness and my choice I'm doing this for me because I know it feels right.

Well it's D day for me, have thought long and hard the last week. Spoken to family and followed your comments. Spoke to my amazing 94yr old Mum. She had a choice in treatment for a heart condition whether to have surgery or not. She listened to her inner voice and is still with us ten yrs on by deciding against surgery. Mum said having a choice and control over your own illness is the best thing and to go with what feels right. I am going to have the chemo as I can't ignore my inner voice and need to be able to live knowing I have done everything I can.

Well done on making a very difficult decision @jomaree. I'm a big believer in listening to one's inner voice, your gut. I remember ignoring it a few times in my early to mid 20s and vowing to never ignore it again. Women are schooled by the patriarchy to downplay our natural instincts, but they are powerful and we are more in touch with them than we often credit.We are with you through chemo. You've got this! And we've got you. When you know which chemo you'll be having, let us know so those who've had the same can chime in with advice if needed.Not everyone has a ghastly time on chemotherapy. For the bulk it's a middling affair. By no means pleasant, but doable. Keep your eyes on the prize, a cancer free life. Big hug, K xox

Thanks for all the advice. Started my Premeds today. Have a long day tomorrow. 9am at hospital to meet Pharmacist, Nurse and Social worker. 11.30 see Oncologist to go over side effects and sign consent forms. 1pm start chemo till about 3.45pm. Saw radiology oncologist last week and will have a planning session in March and start in April if chemo goes to plan. Had my bone density scan done also. When do you start Hormone therapy?. Must remember to write things down. My daughter coming with me in the morning and hubby will come sit with me in the afternoon. He has been through chemo for bowel cancer so knows the go. will keep everyone one posted on my travels and sure I will be asking for help along the way xoxo:| :| :|

new diagnosis | BCNA Online Network

43 Replies

AllyJay
Member
7 years ago
It is your choice and nobody else's. I've always listened to that "Small Voice" that guides a person one way or the other. Percentages are all very fine and well, until you become one. Older members here will probably start rolling their eyes about now as I tell you a bit of my past. I used to be a very active skydiver, with 1637 jumps under my belt. I only ever used my reserve once, but I can assure You I was glad I had one. That reserve added about an extra 30% weight and a similar amount of extra bulk. Probably cost about double what a rig without a reserve would have cost too. Also cost more in so far as the reserve had to be checked and repacked by a Master Rigger...used or not, every 200 jumps or once a year, whichever came first. The overall statistics for skydivers needing reserves is about 1 in 200 jumps, so about half of one percent. I've jumped all over the world with thousands of highly experienced meatbombs and have yet to know one who does not step out the door from 12,000ft without a reserve. Oh and by the way. 1% of kids in a large school with a thousand pupils is 10 kids. That one percent probably means a lot to those ten kids and their families. That's all I have to say about percentages. Each of us makes our own choices and then lives with them. Good luck with your treatment as you decide with your team, what that will be.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Have they offered you Oncotype Dx testing. This is a better indication if chemo is a a good idea or not.

This explains it. It is costly but it might well be worth it.

https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2018/06/new-research-findings-confirm-the-benefit-of-the-oncotype-dx-tumour-profiling-test/

1% is a small benefit but we all get that concern of lets do it anyway. Kath x
Caccal
Member
7 years ago
Its a hard one. Percentages and odds. I haven't got advice but wishing you well xx

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