Hi. I am new to the site. I was diagnosed 21 june. Had lumpectomy and some lymph node removal on 24 july. Just got pathology results. All clear nodes. Clear margin. Grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Surgeon very happy with me. I know i am very lucky and after reading alot of posts on here i am sending love and prayers to all. The surgeon said oncologist next. I thought just radiation and tamoxafin but she mentioned ki 67 result of 27% so wants me to see about chemo? Can anyone shed some light or advice or experience about this? I went back to work this week. Feeling a bit fragile but it is full moon and i am looney anyway and also menopausal madness. Thank you. Di

Yep, it's certainly a road we don't want to head down.. Definately learning to live in the moment has been the best medicine, taking small steps..so helps with this 'new journey'.. new normal.....And gives strength down this road..knowing we are Not alone..To find a group like this (I just have)and with fellow persons living with Breast Cancer, who can share stories and advice is also such a silver lining..I was diagnosed in April, double mastectomy,nipple saving, recon in June, then 2 seperate surgeries to remove both recons.Started Chemo last Monday, exercised before and after treatment. See Catalyst ABC I View Cancer and Exercise. It is really encouraging. Spoke to the manager of my Chemo Unit and she is keen to have an exercise room set up for people to use immediately before and just after treatment. This will have great benefits.The exercise room will take time to set up though . Not on my time during Chemo.I have bn feeling grt so far. No fatigue, no sickness and exercising regularly.Have had my haircut short in readiness and my teenage boys are ready with the clippers to shave it all off if and when needed. Their humour helps heaps.One of them said he's going to shave his off too when it happens and wants to raise money for the very special McGrath nurses. Have seen an Exercise Physiologist, specialising with people living with Cancer and given advice on what exercise is good for me.Just wishing that I had brushed my teeth after each mealtime and rinsed my mouth with warm salty water more regularly as advised..last 3 days have ulcers and soo so painful to eat and talk.. Started back in voluntary post, once a week for 2 hours.Not sure about back to work though.. Work in aged care sector.Remember to be gentle on yourself and allow yourself rest and to be able to receive help too..If not for you, for the rest of the family, who I found were running around like headless chickens at the beginning, trying to do everything..Love, strength, hope, hugs and new positive connections on this new road..💗

Hey fellow looney. To chemo or not to chemo is one of the most common questions that the newly diagnosed ask. It's something no-one here can answer.We can tell you why we did, or didn't, strap in for the poisoning but only an oncologist can tell you why they recommend you should do it.Chemo is a shit of a thing on many levels and one of the most challenging is looking at these weird and occasionally contradictory stats and trying to figure out what you should do. Consult the professionals on one hand and trust your gut (not Dr Google) on the other. Mxx

Hello @Di1965. My ki67 was 19% which my breast surgeon said was "grey area". Given that and my bad family history of BC my oncologist suggested I take the Endopredict test. I did, and it indicated that chemo would be beneficial so I went ahead with it. It was good to have clarity round such a difficult decision. K xox

Thank you @Di1965. No point in sugar coating it! This is the one place you don't have to. So much energy goes into keeping up a good front for your family and friends. The relief to not have to pretend here is very handy.My husband is lovely but away much of the time. He is such a steady chap that my emotional turmoil is beyond him. He wants to 'fix' me of course! He's very good at giving me my space. The kids, well, I have three teenagers and a very needy 11yo. They are tightly bound in their own centre of the world headspace most of the time, and sometimes their careless behaviour can bruise. But that's teenagers!Once the crisis of treatment is over people move on. My friends are great but everyone has their own lives and problems to get on with, and my woes are but a hill of beans. Survivorship is wonderful because you get to be alive when so many don't. But if you struggle like me it is nonetheless a lonely place. The only way, the only person who can fix this is yourself. The oncologists shrug when you say you're struggling on the drugs. So I'm all about mitigating the worst of side effects (which currently for me is regular osteo, and painkillers. I've tried supplements and acupuncture with no success with the former and only a tiny bit with the latter), working with my psychologist on my mental health, and have recently returned to pilates to help regain some strength, and gentle yoga for stress relief. I'm committing to my health to try to reduce risk factors for further cancers, and to improve my quality of life. I'm the only person who can do this.I also started a support group in my area for some face to face connection. And this week I've applied for a volunteer position at a local hospital. I'm trying all the things! Here's hoping they all work sufficiently to make me feel life's worth living again.So hugs gratefully received and returned. As long as they're at least 20 seconds long so we get that Oxytocin! K xox

Chemo/radiation | Online Network

Zoffiel
Member
6 years ago
Hey fellow looney.
To chemo or not to chemo is one of the most common questions that the newly diagnosed ask. It's something no-one here can answer.
We can tell you why we did, or didn't, strap in for the poisoning but only an oncologist can tell you why they recommend you should do it.
Chemo is a shit of a thing on many levels and one of the most challenging is looking at these weird and occasionally contradictory stats and trying to figure out what you should do. Consult the professionals on one hand and trust your gut (not Dr Google) on the other.
Mxx
EAA
Member
6 years ago
Hi Di 965
All about risk.. and A lot to consider.
What risk of recurrence will you have if you
Have chemo and what risk if not.
To be offered chemo means you meet the national guidelines for this therapy..that is
The grade of your tumour and the staging
Of the disease.
Another consideration,Do you have a family history of breast CA.
The surgeons And the oncs make their judgement on your histology report.
But, given all the information they give you
You need to be satisfied that it's what you want.. it's all about informed consent.
I have family history. My first ductal tumour
Was grade 1 with Lymph node mets which made me stage 2. Because of family history I chose a mastectomy and was offeredchemo AAnd adjuvant therapy which I accepted. Didn't stop my lovely cells
Developing a second primary tumour
Worse THan the first..But, I feel satisfied with my decision and have no regrets knowing there was nothing better I could
Have done.. hugs to you and every best wish in your deliberations.
Welcome to our community.. We're here
For you..keep sharing.

.
Di1965
Member
6 years ago
Thank you both so much. Great advice. Just got into bed. Full moon out there .....i just hope i can get some sleep. Love to you zoffiel and EAA. Xxxx
Rosie_BCNA
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Di1965 The following information is from the BCNA website about treatment. You may want to ask the oncologist about the value molecular testing in your situation.
If you would like more information or support please don’t hesitate to call the Helpline and speak to one of the Cancer Nurses. 1800 500 258 Mon - Thurs 9-6 and 9-5 on Fri

Will I need chemotherapy?
Many women with breast cancer are referred to a medical oncologist to discuss whether or not chemotherapy is recommended for them. Chemotherapy is offered to some women as an additional treatment to surgery, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy.
Molecular tests
A molecular test is a test that can predict the likelihood of an individual cancer recurring (coming back) and provide information to help you decide whether or not you may benefit from chemotherapy or some other breast cancer treatments.
Your doctor may talk to you about molecular tests currently available, including:
Oncotype DX
Endopredict
Prosigna
These tests are not covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive – up to several thousand dollars. For further information about molecular testing, visit the Breast cancer pathology page or talk to your surgeon or medical oncologist.

Best wishes and hope you sleep well,
Rosie
Di1965
Member
6 years ago
Thanks Rosie x
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
Hello @Di1965. My ki67 was 19% which my breast surgeon said was "grey area". Given that and my bad family history of BC my oncologist suggested I take the Endopredict test. I did, and it indicated that chemo would be beneficial so I went ahead with it. It was good to have clarity round such a difficult decision. K xox
Di1965
Member
6 years ago
Thank you so much. How are you doing?
Mightystar
Member
6 years ago
Hi Di, I have a similar situation to yourself, my lump was removed 5 July. I was very lucky my oncotype dx test result was 10, chemo would not be beneficial. I was mentally preparing for it. I’m now 7 sessions in to RT now and tamoxifen to come. Love and strength to you and hope you soon get the answers you need xx
Di1965
Member
6 years ago
Thankyou mighty star love and strength to you too. Xx
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
@Di1965 Physically I am healed, though I don't feel my hands have come back to full strength. They were very affected by the chemo. I am on Letrozole and have numerous side effects from that, and then there's the brutal medical menopause... Emotionally, survivorship is proving to be hard, but I recognise that a lot of other baggage has come with me. I'm trying really hard to do all the things that are suggested to help. And then some! I don't feel like me anymore. I suppose that's what's meant by 'new normal', so I'm working on acceptance. K xox