Is treatment worth it?

Hi @Tillycat I have just completed my chemo two days ago. Yes, it's dreadful, but the side effects are mostly manageable or at least they will go away in time (such as having my hair back in a few months time). I did have brain fog on some days but just rest, I could manage to do some light reading or like I'm checking out this discussion site two days post chemo, so, guess it's not too bad, right? I'd say it's the mental stress, like don't know what's coming that's harder to handle. I call my oncologist or breast care nurse whenever I have any questions and it really helps! So, take care and all the best  <3

Dear Tilleycat,
Great decision. I take it you are still waiting histopathology and recommendations re Chemotherapy.
I would like to say, not everyone has bad side effects of Chemo. I had some side effects, but all were manageable.
I had no nausea or brain fog. I haven't heard that it is permanent, just temporary.
You won't know how you are until you try. Here's hoping Chemo won't be indicated. If you do have Chemo, make sure you communicate well with your Dr's and nurses. Tell them any issues or concerns, they may be able to offer treatment or suitable advice.
 All the best.

Good on you for making a decision @Tillycat. Believe in yourself and trust your instincts on this. Well done. I am sure all the people here will be behind you. Let us know how you are going if you feel like it. We are all here for you  

Excellent!
 

Thank you wonderful women for your thoughts. After a day of terror where I was waiting for PET results after some anxious looks from my surgeon I have completely shifted my attitude. PET was fine and I now think every treatment is more time with my kids so I’m going to absolutely suck it up! Not to say I’m not expecting some challenges and awful bits. But I get the chance to have treatment that should give me the chance to be their mum while they are young. 

While the side effects of treatment can be both immediate and insidious, I dragged myself through it. Twice. For the most part it was mildly horrible but bearable. Time passes and I'm still here. 

You have a tough decision to make and there will be significant pressure from other people who want to influence what you do. It was that pressure that ultimately pushed me into the second round of treatment. That, and the toss of a coin.

I'm still not sure what I would have done if it had been purely my own business, but we live in a society where others really do feel they have a right to an opinion. For better or for worse. Some can be quickly dismissed but some are quite persistent, generally because they fell very invested in us.

Follow your heart, but be mindful you are not in this on your own and be prepared for some opposition if you decide you will accept some elements but not others. I sometimes wish I hadn't discussed my options with some people--it would have been easier not to :)

Hi there @Tillycat, yes treatment is definitely worth it. You may or may not get side effects but better to give it all a go. There are ways to manage side effects and if you get any please talk to your oncologist or breast care nurse.

I had a lumpectomy. My pathology wasn't great so heavy duty treatment for me. I had chemo. I lost my hair. I never got sick. My oncologist said if I got sick she would have failed at her job. I did get fatigue but I did walk every day and do some gentle weights and other exercise. I got a little chemo brain off and on but I am fine. I did get a bit of  neuropathy in my toes and the chemo was adjusted. There is always somewhat can be done to reduce side effects.

I also had radium and this was ok. I had a couple of sore areas but they healed very quickly. 

I was on tamoxifen and did ok for over a year on that and then hot some side effects. After discussing these with my oncologist we stopped the tamoxifen and I started on Letrozole. So far it's ok but I do have some stiffness.

I love life , my family and friends. I love my home and cat, my holidays and just enjoying every day. I am 2.5 yrs post diagnosis and I think every thing I have been through is worth every day I get to be here.

 I guess my message is stay in moment. Don't get too far ahead of yourself worrying about what might happen. It may not but if there are issues, speak up and they can be addressed.  Treatment is definitely worth it. Take up a new hobby, try meditation or yoga or something to help yourself. Even just sitting and deep breathing helps. Good luck with your treatment. 

Hi there
 Your medical team can give you the statistics on whether further treatment is worth it for your situation - I was recommended radiotherapy and hormone therapy ( Letrazole) but not chemo.
The side effects from radiotherapy were minor and although the hormone therapy has given me some issues with my right thumb I am managing them.
I want to do whatever I can prevent a recurrence but understand some people have such bad side effects treatment has to be stopped.
You won’t know until you start the treatment but most people get through it .
Ask lots of questions of your medical team and on here ang good luck .

@Tillycat
Please reconsider. I gave a staff member a real thrill when I asked my staff to please, please let me know if chemo brain got me! The temptation to tell your boss, at her request, that she’s not making any sense, was very attractive! But she didn’t. And I didn’t have any problems - I worked through six months of chemo. Yes, chemo brain is a thing. And yes it sometimes lasts longer than anyone would wish. But it often doesn’t happen at all. Any treatment you agree to have, you can also stop. Chemo isn’t fun but it’s one of the most effective tools in the somewhat clumsy arsenal we have right now to fight cancer. Talk to your oncologist, see what is recommended, consider the odds, give it a shot. Best wishes.