New Diagnosis - now to decide on Chemo
I am very new to my diagnosis and now after my Chemo specialist appointment I am even more confused as to whether to have chemo - any thoughts on this would be appreciated. My breast cancer patholo...
Forum Discussion
It's a tricky one isn't it. 2.3% doesn't sound like much on paper. 90% of women survive 5 years with current treatments. Trouble is we don't know if we are in the 90% or the 10%. That's where the lotto is.
I chose mastectomy over lumpectomy due to my concerns of recurrence in that breast. Even though most women don't have it...mine was detected in a mammogram 5 weeks before I found a lump. I was worried it could return and not be found early enough. Same as I chose to have the other breast removed. My Aunt had a new primary in her other breast and didn't survive. My sister died from breast cancer. I had this reality with me at diagnosis.
I had chemo and it was very difficult. I also had herceptin and had to have it stopped early due to issues. Would I choose differently now? No.
My feelings were that I had one shot at eradicating this cancer. If it returns now it is stage IV most likeky. I didn't want to get 2 years down the track and have regrets...regrets like I wished I'd given it my best shot.
It's a personal choice. No decision is wrong but you have to feel comfortable with the decision so you can get back to the business of living, not just being scared of return. Once you feel confident with that hopefully it's all smooth sailing for you. Kath x
I chose mastectomy over lumpectomy due to my concerns of recurrence in that breast. Even though most women don't have it...mine was detected in a mammogram 5 weeks before I found a lump. I was worried it could return and not be found early enough. Same as I chose to have the other breast removed. My Aunt had a new primary in her other breast and didn't survive. My sister died from breast cancer. I had this reality with me at diagnosis.
I had chemo and it was very difficult. I also had herceptin and had to have it stopped early due to issues. Would I choose differently now? No.
My feelings were that I had one shot at eradicating this cancer. If it returns now it is stage IV most likeky. I didn't want to get 2 years down the track and have regrets...regrets like I wished I'd given it my best shot.
It's a personal choice. No decision is wrong but you have to feel comfortable with the decision so you can get back to the business of living, not just being scared of return. Once you feel confident with that hopefully it's all smooth sailing for you. Kath x