Hello Kazza,
I had DCIS that was also in the lymph nodes. I opted for wide area excision plus radiation instead of mastectomy because I preferred to keep my breast.
Because the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, chemo was recommended. I have just finished 6 months - 3 months of AC (the tough one) and 3 months of Taxol (relatively gentler). In a few weeks I will start 6 weeks of radiation followed by 10 years of endocrine therapy.
So, in effect, they're throwing the book at it! I have been happy to take their recommendations because I want the best possible long-term outcome.
It was an enormous relief to finish the Taxol treatment! I got to skip the last three sessions due to peripheral neuropathy. Hurray! Out of the gulag.
If chemo is recommended for you, I suggest you prepare well, get all your resources lined up, and hunker down to get through. I was pleased to avoid all the worst-case side effects, but even so, I felt like an invalid a lot of the time - an invalid who was wrapped in love and care from family and friends. A special time, to be treasured.
Wishing you love and care,
Gillian
