No 'kitchen sink' or 'throwing everything at it' for me

@MvB The professor I spoke to at Peter Mac last week pretty much said the same thing. I find it fascinating how fast it's changed. I hope it bodes well for the future.

MvB said:

 I’ve been on this journey for 18 years, still luckily early stage despite a few recurrences,

Well wow that is wonderful to read that its been 18 years. Sorry to read that you've had recurrences but fab to read that you're ahead of the game.
Best wishes and here's to many many years ahead of good health and well-being 
Hugs

This is a really interesting thread and appreciate all the honesty about different decisions...kitchen sinks vs. kale and sometimes all of the above.  I’ve been on this journey for 18 years, still luckily early stage despite a few recurrences, and I’ve noticed a real difference in the general attitude of the medical specialists over that time.  I think 18 years ago, even before hormone receptor testing was a thing, there was a grim certainty about treatment options...you do this, then this, then this.  I think now there is SO much new information, often good, that even the professionals are starting to say “it’s all changing”. It puts a bit more pressure on us as the “patient” to then try to work out options.  

Thank you for the very thoughtful and heartfelt posts. Best wishes to all posters and readers.

I agree with all.  In the end, the treatment you have needs to be what you can live with.  That's where it is important that we understand what the treatment is and what impact it will have on us. To go in without knowing or understanding is to not be able to make an informed decision. But to not go ahead because of fears without understanding is just as bad.  A woman I know of almost didn't go ahead with chemo because she didn't want to lose her hair.  I get that but I'm glad she had people around her who could talk her through it. I feel that I have been very fortunate with the professional service I have been given and it breaks my heart to hear how poorly others have been treated.  For me, there has never been any question about throwing everything at it and I was anxious every time I had the cardio scans in case something indicated that I couldn't continue.  But I know that every person has different circumstances.

Absolutely, if previous health problems everything needs adjusting. My treatment was stopped earlier than planned and my oncologist said...we don't want you to die from the treatment...it's not worth the risk to continue. Wise words. 

I agree, no treatment can mess with mind and emotions. My treatment options were limited by detrimental and adverse impacts on my heart and lung conditions. Therefore chemo & radiation were not part of the 'everything' I threw at my experience of breast cancer, however surgery and hormone therapy is - I did not want to suggest that no treatment was my chosen path. My 'everything' is what I can physically and emotionally manage.

Fighting a cancer diagnosis is hard work emotinally.
I do agree on making decision on whats best for you but I do stress when people decide on no treatment as it's  mentally exhausting  or fear based rather than it making little difference to survival outcomes, I would then talk through the fears or concerns with individuals as the reality is we get one shot at a cure. After the 1st shot is gone it's just trying to stay alive after this (and hopefully thriving with good quality of life though). So I fully understand family and health professionals recommending the standard treatment that for many can mean you are cured of breast cancer. Any less than that would mean not being the loving family member or the professional person they should be.

Yes chemo can be hard for some. For others a walk in the park.
Radio for some is really hard for some  Others..just a little bit of red skin and just a little tired. 
No treatment can mess with your head as later the fear can set in...that you haven't given it your best shot. Fear of breast cancer return  is very real for most people and so not having futher treatment doesn't mean you will emotionally feel less exhausted.
Anyways... here's to our on decisions.x

I applaud all of you with the decisions and directions you each choose to take.  It is very much an individual decision each of us have to weigh up and be prepared to live with.  Not that easy when we get bombarded with other peoples opinions given primarily out of concern for our well being but ultimately we are the ones who make it count.  I love your comment @AllayJay about standing with the granny walker. LoL.  xo

I agree with the above responses, that each person has the right to make informed decisions about their treatment (or not). Once they have made their decision, they are the ones who have to live (or die) with it. I have a number of other serious health conditions, as well as having to deal with the cancer. Some decisions I could and did make, others I couldn't..I was over ridden.. I would have chosen to have radiotherapy, but was told flat out that for me, it would be too dangerous for my lungs. The team would have liked me to have it, from the cancer prospective, but one of my other conditions took that additional option off the board. They wanted to remove just the left breast and all the nodes, I fought for both to be given the chop. I won on that score. Some choose to (metaphorically speaking) eat kale and hop on the treadmill whilst chanting Ommmm or whatever. Others choose the kitchen sink along with any and all other options. Others choose a middle road...good for all of them. I've made my own individual choices and like Elton John, can still sing "I'm Still Standing", albeit with a granny walker.