I'd really like to meet ladies who, although it was strongly suggested by their medical professionals that they have chemotherapy, they made the decision to decline any treatment. At the end of 2010 I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer and had my right breast removed. I was told it was very important for me to have chemo because I had an aggressive cancer and it would most likely return....even if I had chemo. The cancer was confined to the lump, I was HER2 negative and no cancer was found in my lymph nodes or anywhere else in my body. I couldn't see the point in having 12 months of chemo if, as they doctors said, the cancer will probably come back anyway. I feel quite isolated because of my decision, and feel there must be some ladies who have made the same choice I have. I'd love to hear from anyone. Cheers, Anne. :-)

I had my first bout of breast cancer(found a lump)back in 2003.I had a lumpectomy,full node clearance followed by radiation.My cancer was eostrogen+,not aggressive and NOT in any of the 18 nodes.I was offerred chemo as an optional extra but declined.So last year( 7yrs later) cancer came back in the same breast,same spot.Must have been 1 cell lingering around for 7yrs! So had a mastectomy and urged by 2 doctors to have chemo. My body and bone scans were clear.Again it was a non aggressive cancer. Against my better judgement I did one round of chemo and I ended up in hosp. isolation ward for 4 days with no white cells.The whole experience was more than dreadful.My oncologist wanted to swap me to another chemo regime but I said no thanks.He was actually ok with my answer so long as I took Tamoxifen.I honestly believe,at the time,that chemo might kill me before cancer would.It took me 8mths for hair to grow back enough not to wear a scarf.I found this very distressing. If I had had evidence that the cancer had travelled then I probably would have finished my chemo rounds. I guess I have become very sceptical of these cancer treatments because my cancer came back anyway after 7yrs for goodness sake.Anyway,I respect your decision not to have chemo. Having a healthy diet and staying stress free is what I try to maintain now.All the best to you. Tonya xx

Thank you so much for your reply....it's so nice to have someone who understands. My GP...who I love and have been seeing for 20 years, my surgeon and 3 oncologists said.....YOU MUST HAVE CHEMO....but I just really couldn't see the point. I wasn't eligible for radiation or Tamoxifen. Losing my hair didn't worry me, but why be sick with chemo if they say it's going to come back.......I've heard too many horror stories like yours. So, what is your situation now.....do you still have cancer and are just living as best you can ??? Do you intend to have futher tests to see how far your cancer has spread ? I don't think I'll have tests, I'll just get on with my life. I'm 60, I've seen my kids grow up and have met my grandsons....although unfortunately they all live interstate from me. I have a marvellous husband and other family and friends have been very supportive of my decision. It may cut my life a bit, but I'm not afraid of death. My GP has promised to take care of me if things get bad. I live a simple but happy life surrounded by love. Of course it's always at the back of my mind that the cancer will return...and I wonder when....but even if I had treatment, that would still be on my mind. Cheers, Anne. :-)

My 2nd bout of breast cancer last year was classed as early b cancer again.All my body scans were clear so it appears they got it all and I'm ok and cancer free.The oncologist seems to think that Tamoxifen will give me the best chance of staying cancer free but no guarantees.I have to see my surgeon for a checkup every 3mths and yearly mammograms to the remaining breast ofcourse.But that's about it so not too bad.Most of the time I feel positive but it's only been one year so sometimes get abit down.It maybe worthwhile to do some research into diet and supplements.I've read alot on vit D and they have found it to be important for your immune system.Many people are deficient and so might help to take a supplement. I've also read about the benefits of flaxseed and how it might reduce tumour size.Obviously there is no magic pill but it's good to be proactive about your diet/health. I guess the doctors have a duty of care and have to offer you chemo even if there is the smallest %of cure.Ultimately it's your body and your decision.Many would say that yours is a brave one.If I was faced with another bout of cancer I really don't know what I would do.I don't think anyone can know unless they themselves are in that position.Best wishes to you and your lovely family. Tonya xx

Yeah, it really was an odd thing that happened. I haven't fallen over for YEARS. We were visiting Brians daughter and Brian had parked too close to their driveway garden and when I went to get back into the car I tripped and came down very hard. After a week I thought I'd broken a right rib and that's when I found the lump on my side and thought it was also the pulled muscle from the fall. I deliberately fell on my side when I started to fall, rather than straight onto my face, thinking I wouldn't hurt myself so much if I went sideways. It certainly seems that I was meant to find the lump. In actual fact I had broken a rib, but only my surgeon found it after a body scan was done looking for more cancer. They said.....oh by they way, you've broken your rib at sometime too. Then I knew I'd done it in the fall. It had been very painful, but the lump itself wasn't sore at all.

Declined treatment. | BCNA Online Network

22 Replies

pppbmr
Member
14 years ago
Maybe you can post some pics of it here? Have fun there.

Prue
Phyllis
Member
14 years ago
Heavens...October already...where have the months gone....it'll be Christmas before we know it.

There's going to be a field of pink ladies down at the Mandurah foreshore, where I live next Thursday morning....October 20th, I'll go check it out.

Hope you've all been well in the last couple of months.

Cheers, Anne :-)
Phyllis
Member
15 years ago
Indeed they are....oh they say....we won't pressure you, we'll respect whatever you decide, after all, it is your body and no one can tell you what to do....then they subtly add....but of course you're going to die if you don't do what we tell you to. LOL.

Well my friend I must be off for a short time now, I have things to do around the house. I really enjoy talking to you. :-) If you'd like to email me direct....

[email protected]

Cheers, Anne :-) xx
Phyllis
Member
15 years ago
Indeed they are....oh they say....we won't pressure you, we'll respect whatever you decide, after all, it is your body and no one can tell you what to do....then they subtly add....but of course you're going to die if you don't do what we tell you to. LOL.

Well my friend I must be off for a short time now, I have things to do around the house. I really enjoy talking to you. :-) If you'd like to email me direct....

[email protected]

Cheers, Anne :-) xx
FranP
Member
15 years ago
yep they were full of it for sure.
FranP
Member
15 years ago
yep they were full of it for sure.
FranP
Member
15 years ago
my mum had chemo 36 yrs ago and it was awful for her. she ended up dieing of heart problems 21yrs ago but the chemo i had wasnt real good trust me.
FranP
Member
15 years ago
my mum had chemo 36 yrs ago and it was awful for her. she ended up dieing of heart problems 21yrs ago but the chemo i had wasnt real good trust me.