Stage IIA Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy?

@Alcaye, it’s great to hear what you decided at such a challenging time. Hope you are progressing well now? Lots of love Tinks xx

Hi Dory
I decided not to have Chemo because the side effects are potentially worst than the benefit.

Hi @Alcaye,
How are you? Did you come to a decision re chemo or no chemo?

Hi @Alcaye

Big hugs to you on your diagnosis and the journey to come. If in doubt ask for a second opinion there's no harm and your doctor should be supportive of this, in my opinion. 

There's no right or wrong way to go, it is your choice and its a very personal choice, you need to do what is right for you and your family (depending on your situation i.e. kids) based on the advice of your Dr's and the information provided. If you are still concerned talk to a counselor or support worker to help you work through your thoughts and questions.

As mentioned in the other posts Chemo and its effect on the person undergoing it varies greatly from minimal impact/side effects to very unpleasant and only a crystal ball can tell us before hand how your body will react. But as mentioned you can always stop or take a break if you the side effect get unbearable. 

I was diagnosed in 2005 when I was 32. Back then (Gee that makes me sound so old) there wasn't access to tests like the Predict Test, Oncotype Test, etc and in a way I'm glad I didn't have to deal with this additional info. It was simple, I had Breast Cancer, I was given the treatment options which were needed to give me the best possible odds to prevent reoccurance. I made the decision (not that it was much of a decision, I was pretty much told) to have a lumpectomy, full axillary clearance, chemo, radio, tamoxifen, zolodex, oophorectomy and then AI's for 11ish years. But after all that I'm happy with my decision and I'm still here.  Yes there are side effects from treatment that I deal with even now, but none of them are as a direct result of my chemo, that I am aware of. 

Chemo can be extremely unpleasant for some people, no question. But some of us had a much easier run, including working (quite easily) throughout. Problem is, we can’t tell how it’s going to pan out beforehand. But always bear in mind,  you can stop chemo treatment if the side effects are too damaging (physically or emotionally). 

Hi Alcaye ,
I was 2a strongly hormone receptive. Aged 54. Score of 20 on the Oncotype DX. Less than 1% chemo benefit if I do Tamoxifen (which I am). I had surgery and radiotherapy. No chemo. At the time I was just so relieved not to have to do chemo. I did later go through anxious thoughts wondering if I'd been undertreated, but I let that go. Too late now. The upside of no chemo is that I have continued to work full-time (thankful to still have a job) and I avoided all of those possible side-effects. It's a difficult decision. I did not get a second opinion, but wish I had - just to set my mind at ease. Good luck. ::smile:  

I was also stage 2a, tumour was 3.5cm ball almost so without the Oncotype test the plan was chemo. I learnt that information gave me power. Understanding what was involved, the why, the side effects, my own tumour, the type etc. It helped me make my decision as it is ultimately up to you. I found I needed to advocate for myself with each different doctor in the chain I would see, share info they missed on the chart. You know yourself best and you’ll make the right decision for you.

Hi @Alcaye I think if you feel uneasy then get a second opinion.  You have to be confident that you are making the best decision for you.  I was stage 1 hormone positive with no lymph nodes and I felt very confident not having chemo because my lymph nodes were clear.  I had the lumpectomy/radiation and I am now on tamoxifen and zoladex.  Take the time you need and listen to multiple expert opinions to help you decide.  Wishing you all the best x 

To have treatment or not to have treatment is a very personal decision that only you can make.
I suppose if you are having doubts now, take a bit of time to reassess, and as Afraser above mentioned get another professional opinion.

Me personally I didn’t want to live with any regrets, and I threw whatever I could at my diagnosis, so I wouldn’t look back and wish I had done something different.
I finished all my treatment October last year, first mammogram in December had the all clear.
Any treatment you decide to have may have side effects, everyone’s body deals with treatment differently, some better than others, wether that be chemotherapy, radiotherapy and or hormone treatment.

Wishing you the very best, not sure if I have helped you at all, sending positive vibes your way and a big virtual hug xx

The percentages can lead one to assume that we know which bracket we fall into - 99% chance of not having a recurrence is great odds as long as you are in that bracket. If you’re in the 1%, not so much! The short answer is that none of us know where our numbers will fall. A couple of years ago I had a (non cancer) procedure that went wrong. One in a thousand chance, everyone said. Luckily it was fixable, and was fixed. But it was a salutary lesson about odds. The important thing is for you to feel content about the choice you make. Having chemo might up your  odds. It might also result in some side effects that linger. Mostly we like to make our own choices, but these ones are not easy. You could seek a second opinion. You could settle your fears and take the path that you and your doctor have agreed on. You could ask for more details on what chemotherapy might be suggested if you change your mind, so you can consider the duration of treatment and possible side effects. Whatever you do, you will be happier and recover better if you can embrace that choice whole heartedly. A little time to consider is worth it at this stage. Best wishes.