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Linda_Adeline's avatar
Linda_Adeline
Member
10 years ago

Chemo .. ... a necessary evil...??.

Yesterday it was confirmed that I would need to do Chemo for 6 months as Triple Negative Breast Cancer although aggressive, responds well to Chemo  - but then am told - "following the double Subcutaneous Mastectomy, and with good clearance margins, I may be cured with no possibility of rogue cells having flicked off to surgery"  - So Chemo it is ..... but the long term affects to the heart and very high possibility of developing a secondary cancer - really makes me feel quite ill - how can I not do the Chemo - the literature is very clear - without Chemo - secondary cancer is high as is the risk of mortality...... but then  I ask how can I risk cardiac damage - life can be so cruel at times.... :-(    

Have others felt this confusion and frustration and fear prior to Chemo?

Linda

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  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    It's worth protecting yourself for you and your family. I know that is a hard decision. Glad that you have a nice set of replacement breasts, what a woman !??????????

  • KatieT's avatar
    KatieT
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yes, I think you've hit the nail on the head when you call it a necessary evil.  You don't have to be triple negative to be asking that question.  I think all of us facing chemo ask those things.  I'm HER2+ and I certainly did.  I did it in the end.  It was no fun but I know that I did everything I could to stop this thing coming back.   Fortunately, my heart did well.  The oncologists send us for regular checks while on these things. 

     

  • Kirsty31's avatar
    Kirsty31
    Member
    10 years ago

    I know exactly what you mean. I am also triple negative. Diagnosed on the 21st August. My initial reaction was not to have chemo, two days later I was thinking completely the opposite. Is there a triple negative group within the group?

  • Linda_Adeline's avatar
    Linda_Adeline
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Tracey - I know I need to do this so that I can get the best outcome -  I am trying to be positive, am so early in on the diagnosis - 4 weeks on the 15th, I am blessed with a supportive family have great friends and must say my new boobies look pretty good - the drains will come out on Wed and they have given me a week and half reprieve before I start Chemo. 

    I think for me it just seems like they are talking about someone else, they can't be my pathology results .. but I think this is common reaction from what the team tells me.

    I am so glad i found this page - have loved the kit I was sent, really read the newsletter twice over - the success stories are inspiring.... I have never felt alone - but do feel like a part of me has been lost along with the diagnosis.

    thanks for "listening"  :-)

    Linda

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Oh yeah........ We all would like not to do the chemo thing. Make sure that you communicate with your treatment team about your feelings, your symptoms, and ask lots of questions along the way. Make sure that you keep in touch with us in BCNA as there are heaps of people here that give great advice and support. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????