Forum Discussion

Nasussylvia's avatar
Nasussylvia
Member
12 years ago

Mop up chemo or not

Hello there, I have recently been diagnosed with grade 2 Invasive Ductal Cancer had a lumpectomy and nothing in nodes. HER2 negative oestragen positive total score of 7 I have to have 6 weeks radiation and Tamoxafen for 5 years, my delemia is should I have mop up chemo or not. Im truely torn, any more info would be grealty appreciated. CHeers

 

  • Nasussylvia's avatar
    Nasussylvia
    Member
    12 years ago

    And dosnt it put you at ease having that decision taken out of your hands, I slept so soundly last night. Ill keep you posted, pls also let me know how you go also. :)

     

  • myra_f's avatar
    myra_f
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Sue, funny I decided to do the same test. I just got off the phone to my oncologist. Good luck.

    Myra

  • Nasussylvia's avatar
    Nasussylvia
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks everyone, hearing from different people going through the same issues is quite reasurring in a strange way.  My dilema has been solved as I am going to have Oncyotype DX testing, results will take about three weeks, this will now make the final decision for me which I feel so very happy about.  Good luck to you all, Happy smiles.

    Regards

    Sue

  • Nasussylvia's avatar
    Nasussylvia
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks everyone, hearing from different people going through the same issues is quite reasurring in a strange way.  My dilema has been solved as I am going to have Oncyotype DX testing, results will take about three weeks, this will now make the final decision for me which I feel so very happy about.  Good luck to you all, Happy smiles.

    Regards

    Sue

  • myra_f's avatar
    myra_f
    Member
    12 years ago

    I have the same cancer and pathology results as you. Today my Oncologist showed me the stats and I have a 3% better chance of 10 year survival if I have chemo. Like you I am having diffculty deciding what to do. 3% doesnt seem like much but every little bit helps I guess. I am in awe of all the incredible women out there who have successfully endured chemo.  I am terrified of having it. My Oncologist told me that a lot of women with this choice decide not to have chemo, however others choose to do everything they possibly can to increase their long term survival rate. It is a really hard decision, however we are lucky to have the choice. Sorry this post doesnt really help you. My only suggestion is to continue researching, seek others experiences and take your time to decide. Thats what I am going to try to do. Good luck. I wish you well with whatever you decide.

  • mona63's avatar
    mona63
    Member
    12 years ago

     

    The words we use to describe treatment can have an impact--my oncologist likened chemotherapy for my results--similiar to yours--is like bombing of vietnam --bit haphazard and destructive and over the top; he felt targeted therapies--operation and tomaxafin were vital but radiation useful as extra insurance

    i know the 'mop up' and 'do-able' are used on this site but i have a bias towards my own words!  I was also fearful of the chemotherapy experience and what it could mean for my well being, functioning and financial security --

    all the best

  • mona63's avatar
    mona63
    Member
    12 years ago

     

    The words we use to describe treatment can have an impact--my oncologist likened chemotherapy for my results--similiar to yours--is like bombing of vietnam --bit haphazard and destructive and over the top; he felt targeted therapies--operation and tomaxafin were vital but radiation useful as extra insurance

    i know the 'mop up' and 'do-able' are used on this site but i have a bias towards my own words!  I was also fearful of the chemotherapy experience and what it could mean for my well being, functioning and financial security --

    all the best

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I had the same cancer as you also,and I had chemo solely because my oncologist recommended it ,as she said you can not be 100 per cent sure that the odd cell has not escaped,even though the lymph nodes are clear.Because my lymph nodes were clear,I had just 4 rounds of chemo.I want to tell you it is very doable:) I am almost 6weeks past my last chemo.I am on Tamoxifen,and I feel fantastic! I am exercising and eating a very healthy diet,just like Deanne said,and I look forward confidently to a healthy future.Good luck with your decision.xoxoRobyn.
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Welcome to this network although I am very sorry that you are facing this situation. I feel very sorry for all the women who are challenged with this dilemma. My cancer, while a Grade 2 IDC, had already spread to 5 lymph nodes so Chemo was a given not really a choice (although we always have the right to make our own choices). My oncologist did however (when I asked) give me the statistics to indicate the possible benefit of each of the recommended treatments, chemo being one of these. This helped me to get through the treatments as I knew that they were giving me a much better chance of not having a recurrence. There are no guarantees with any of the treatment, no one is given a 100% chance of never getting it again but the statistics can help you to understand if certain treatments will make a significant difference for you. What is a significant difference? That can only be decided by you. Having had chemo (FEC and Docetaxel) I can tell you that it is very tough but doable. It is 4 months since I finished chemo and I feel great now, but I work hard at keeping healthy with diet and exercise too. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide, know that it was the right decision given all facts and advice from your doctors. Take care. Deanne xx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Welcome to this network although I am very sorry that you are facing this situation. I feel very sorry for all the women who are challenged with this dilemma. My cancer, while a Grade 2 IDC, had already spread to 5 lymph nodes so Chemo was a given not really a choice (although we always have the right to make our own choices). My oncologist did however (when I asked) give me the statistics to indicate the possible benefit of each of the recommended treatments, chemo being one of these. This helped me to get through the treatments as I knew that they were giving me a much better chance of not having a recurrence. There are no guarantees with any of the treatment, no one is given a 100% chance of never getting it again but the statistics can help you to understand if certain treatments will make a significant difference for you. What is a significant difference? That can only be decided by you. Having had chemo (FEC and Docetaxel) I can tell you that it is very tough but doable. It is 4 months since I finished chemo and I feel great now, but I work hard at keeping healthy with diet and exercise too. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide, know that it was the right decision given all facts and advice from your doctors. Take care. Deanne xx