So far so good

Thought I would tell you my story.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation nearly 5 years ago.  The nodes were clear and the surgeon got a good clear margin.  I was started on Tamoxifen (hormone blocker) after the radiation.  I saw the medical oncologist after the radiation to commence the Tamoxifen (did see him before as well)  I chose not to have chemo.  The medical oncologist could only give me a 1% add on over the 10 years.  I figured that this was not worth going through chemo and all the side effects.  How unlucky I was. Just on 4 years later, I was in the 3% group that the cancer returned in the same place - in a lymph node around the back of the arm. (tumour was full and cells had escaped - no clear margins were achieved)  I had no hesitation in "lining up" for chemo this time.  The radiation oncologist said that I would be cured after treatment (radiation and chemo).  I did start on Arimidex as soon as my diagnosis was confirmed and stopped during chemo.  No doubt after seeing the medical oncologist this week  he will re-commence it again (Yuk, I hate it - too many nasty side effects compared to the Tamoxifen)  I have no regrets about saying No to the chemo last time.  There is no point in What if's.  It was a decision that I made at the time and I stuck with it and was happy with it.  It can only be your decision - just be confident with whatever you choose.XLeonie