My "choices" regarding treatment spelt out
So on Thursday I had my first appointment with my oncologist My details were keyed into his computer and I was spit out as a statistic. My oncologist mentioned that he would respect any "choices" I ...
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LisaO My left breast had 12mm invasive ductal carcinoma tumour removed by lumpectomy and one node positive and two with changing cells. I too was Oest & Progesterone positive and HER2 Negative, My Oncologist also did the numbers thing with me also. He said with the removal alone my chances were 20% of the cancer coming back. Withe radiation and hormone therapy that would reduce to 13%. With chemotherapy the reduction would only be 1.5-2.0% more and being on the left side over my heart and lungs he suggested I do the radiation for 30 treatments and then onto hormone therapy and scans after 5-6 weeks of finishing radiation. The difference between 13% and 11-11.5% chance of the cancer returning was negligible considering the effects of the chemo. Radiation can only be done once in that one area, but IF the cancer is not gone or returns then I will consider chemo then again.
By the way you can get another opinion from another oncologist. I was rapt with my oncologist but not so with the radiation oncologist. You need to be confident with the Dr you are putting your life in's hands. And you have the right to a second opinion. Of the few ladies I know of that have had a mastectomy have also had radiation. You didn't mention radiation, but Im presuming you will have it.
Read, ask questions, ask about another oncologist, do whatever is right for YOU. Its YOUR body, your life. Trust your gut feeling. Another friend had similar was me at diagnosis and also did no chemo and fifteen years on she's still clear. Maybe its got to do with luck and our energy and attitude to it also.
Ive just finished 30 radiation sessions and going back to oncologist on Monday to start on hormone treatment and ask loads of questions as there are new treatments and test out there to be considered.
Wishing you the best with your decision and know what you choose is the best for you with the information you had on board at the time. keep posting and asking questions - the people on here are fantastic with their support and ideas. They have been very helpful for me and when I do a huge rant or go crook about having bloody cancer the responses are fabulous. :) <3
Remember the power of our minds. Remember the aboriginal people who, perfectly healthy, but once they had a bone pointed at them, they actually did die. Such was their belief and the power of their mind. I believe we can do the opposite and the power of our mind can help greatly with healing - look into guided meditation, relaxation and whatever will help you relax and use the energy to help you heal. Whatever works for you. :) <3
By the way you can get another opinion from another oncologist. I was rapt with my oncologist but not so with the radiation oncologist. You need to be confident with the Dr you are putting your life in's hands. And you have the right to a second opinion. Of the few ladies I know of that have had a mastectomy have also had radiation. You didn't mention radiation, but Im presuming you will have it.
Read, ask questions, ask about another oncologist, do whatever is right for YOU. Its YOUR body, your life. Trust your gut feeling. Another friend had similar was me at diagnosis and also did no chemo and fifteen years on she's still clear. Maybe its got to do with luck and our energy and attitude to it also.
Ive just finished 30 radiation sessions and going back to oncologist on Monday to start on hormone treatment and ask loads of questions as there are new treatments and test out there to be considered.
Wishing you the best with your decision and know what you choose is the best for you with the information you had on board at the time. keep posting and asking questions - the people on here are fantastic with their support and ideas. They have been very helpful for me and when I do a huge rant or go crook about having bloody cancer the responses are fabulous. :) <3
Remember the power of our minds. Remember the aboriginal people who, perfectly healthy, but once they had a bone pointed at them, they actually did die. Such was their belief and the power of their mind. I believe we can do the opposite and the power of our mind can help greatly with healing - look into guided meditation, relaxation and whatever will help you relax and use the energy to help you heal. Whatever works for you. :) <3