Forum Discussion
sandramj
9 years agoMember
Chemotherapy or natural?
Tomorrow I go to see oncologist for first time after surgery removal of invasive ductal carcinoma (12mm) and finding cancer in the only lymph node they found. Had CT Scans and bone scan yesterday so g...
Afraser
9 years agoMember
Sandra
Recent reports seem to support the notion that whatever causes cancer may not be to do with your lifestyle or family history exclusively. Like you, I have no family history of any cancer, was healthy, had breastfed, had my breasts checked etc etc. That's why ALL women are encouraged to have mammograms regularly. Current stats I think are that 75% of women who get breast cancer are post menopausal. That seems a significant stat to me but we are still not clear on what it means. Herceptin is considered to be effective for HER2 positive cancer - it's usually a three weekly infusion for 12 months. I had no side effects from it at all. I did get an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) during chemo. My newly acquired cardiologist did not think that my health or age made this at all likely, BUT that a combination of surgery (mastectomy), chemo (my side effects were limited but it still has an impact on your body) and age combined might be enough to tip the balance. I am fine and the condition is quite manageable but I have no actual heart disease (it's the electronic circuit of the heart that's gone a bit daffy). So that MIGHT be why your oncologist is being cautious.