Stage IIA Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy?

Question

Through a routine mammogram test a small lump was found that tested malignant for breast cancer. The lump was removed and also three Lymph Nodes of which one had cancer in it. The Predict test that my Doctor did said that Chemotherapy will only increase my survival by 1% and as a result it was decided together that I will not have Chemotherapy. I will have Radiotherapy and Hormone treatment. I did the Predict test myself and if you increase the years from ten to fifteen the survival rate for Chemotherapy increases to 5% which is the same as Hormone treatment. I feel uneasy about not having Chemotherapy in the uncertainty that I may fall in the percentage that will not live as result of not having Chemo. Does any one else have experiences that they could share that will help me to decide.

tania_sa · Answer

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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

shellshocked201 · Answer

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

crm · Answer

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

afraser · Answer

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&nbsp;out beforehand. But always bear in mind, &nbsp;you can stop chemo treatment if the side effects are too damaging (physically or emotionally).&nbsp;

alcaye · Answer

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

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Stage IIA Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy?

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