Has anyone taken the option of 'no treatment'? Breast removal sounds a better option to me than years of chemical treatment. I would value opinions on this. Raye

Hi Raye, welcome to the network. I hope that you receive great benefits from member advice. I had a mastectomy in February for a grade 3 lobular cancer and a separate ductal cancer, along with auxiliary clearance. Due to the extent of my cancer along with inclusion of 5 lymph nodes with cancer, I decided to go ahead with chemo, and am currently undergoing radiation. I was happy to have the surgery to get rid of the beast and get on with life. I truly believe that we all have different diagnosis, so decide on our own individual treatments. You have the right to make your own individual choices with your care. Just remember that your life is like a book with all its different chapters. The best part about that is that you choose what goes in the next pages. All the very best of luck with your decision. Take care, Trace ??????

Hi there depend on what you mean by no treatment: I had lumpectomy for grade 2 ca but other 'growths' which are not cancerous just left and one has disappeared and the other is just there and surgeon says 'normal'. I had a reaction to chemo and choose with my oncologist not to go down that path for say a 2 percent better chance: however I'm committed to tamoxafin and feel this is quiet crucial part of my treatment . I've got a family member with lcis who has mammagrams and ultrasounds once a year and reviewed by cancer specialist hospital and other than this 'no treatment ' for 9 years now as it has remained the same and pre cancer etc Good to question impact of or benefit of all these treatments. I read a book about someone who changed diet and chanted and lived on an island and that sounds good as well ! best wishes

Hi Raye, not sure wether this will help or not I had to make the decision to either have a lumpectomy & radiation or a mastectomy with no more treatment, it is such an emotional, daunting, scary time I totally freaked out on which decision would be the right one, my surgeon told me she would not give me an option that was not of equal value so you have to trust that they are right, which is a really big deal, I also talked to my family, the McGrath nurse, the breast clinic nurses & the Cancer Council hot line, while I found this great to have all the support the decision has to be yours and yours alone. I opted for the lumpectomy but have since found out that I need Chemo as well as the radiation, which I may have also had to have with the mastectomy.. I know it is really hard decision to make but you can do it. Most of all be kind to yourself . Take care Robyn xx

Hi Raye My sister only had surgery and did not go down the path of chemo or radiation. She then did all natural therapies and is still here 10 years after. It was something she believed in. Maree

Hi Raye, PLEASE don't even think about it you have to have treatment to rid yourself of stray cancer cells. It's not that bad the treatment what did your oncologist say re this?? xxx Christine xxx

options | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

raye
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Lisa,

I have my surgery in two weeks time and after that I will be talking to the oncologist. I will speak to a couple of GP's in-between. I"m just gathering information at this stage.
raye
Member
10 years ago
Thanks. I am still gathering information and I still have many professionals to see. I just want all the options open for consideration.
raye
Member
10 years ago
I have been there yet. My surgery is in two weeks time.
raye
Member
10 years ago
I pretty sure that is exactly the path I will take. I am told that my hormanal imbalance can be fixed with natural creams. I intend to see a naturopath to get my body on track.

thanks Maree
raye
Member
10 years ago
thanks Robyn
raye
Member
10 years ago
sounds a great choice to me too. I intend to be guided by a naturopath, get my hormones rebalanced with natural therapies. Detox my lifestyle.

thanks for your reply
raye
Member
10 years ago
thanks
Lisa_BCNA
Member
10 years ago
Hi Raye,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. You've received some really good advice from the ladies who have posted already.

We hope you've had a conversation with your breast surgeon or medical oncologist, but we are also really happy to talk with you if there is anything you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to talk, please call us on 1800 500 258 and ask to speak to someone in the Policy Team.

Warm regards,
Lisa

1800 500 258
Tanyamerle
Member
10 years ago
Hi Raye,

I didn't have chemo because the benefit post mastectomy was judged, by the medical oncologist, to be smaller than the risks of the chemo, for my particular cancer. I did, however, go with her recommendation to put me into menopause and start an aromatase inhibitor.

Basically it is like everything in life, you weigh the pros and cons and make your decision. But like everything in life that is important, I take an expert's advice.

Wishing you the best,

Tanya
Robyn_W
Member
10 years ago
Hello,I have to comment here,because I feel very strongly about listening to our oncologists advice.YES,our decision is ours alone,but if by having treatment,your chances of preventing recurrence,are reduced,then I say have the treatment.I agree with Scotty,when she says it's not THAT bad.Years ago,chemo was really feared,for good reason,but these days there are so many medications to assist with side affects.I had a mastectomy,chemo,and now I am 2 years into taking Tamoxifen.I have never had so much energy,and I have never once regretted having the treatment that I did.I am 60 years old.Please consider carefully,as you only get one chance.Cheers Robyn xox