My tumour was only 11mm and was a IDC, ER+, PGR+, HER2-. It's a grade 2, stage 1B. I had a lumpectomy and 2 nodes removed, one of which had micrometastases. I have been told I should have 6 months of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation and 10 years of tamoxifen. They are only suggesting chemo as there were early signs of cancer in one of the lymph nodes and they can't rule out the possibility that it has spread. I think also given my young age (34) they think chemo gives me a better chance of survival. I am looking at genetic testing aswell. Apparently there is a 6 month wait for genetic testing through the public system on the Sunshine Coast QLD so I am going to go private which is about $400 and a 3 week wait. My mum had BC at 34 and her sister had it at 65 but there is no other family history and no sign of BC on my dads side (my dads mum lived to 100 with no major health problems so I hope I've inherited some of her genes!)
I think the thing I am most nervous about is the serious life threatening side effects from chemo. I know they aren't common but to be honest, I'm absolutely terrified about doing chemo and that something bad is going to happen. It probably sounds totally irrational but I can't seem to shake that feeling. I am otherwise healthy and have no other health issues and don't take any other medication so I'm hoping that will count in my favour!