Hey Stacey,
I was in the exact same predicament as you 12 months ago. 5% difference with having or not having. And I selected to not do chemo and guess what? I know have mets to my lungs and bones! I do wonder if this could have been prevented and have to somehow console myself that the doctor did say that there was a huge chance that it would come back anyway, but probably not this quick. I am only 39 so am still coming to terms with this diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. I still can't believe that I , as healthy as I am am put in this category. I am currently doing chemo now and it really isnt as bad a what I was expecting. Sure the hairloss thing has played havoc with me but its nothing my beanies with their hair extension plaits don;t hide lol. All the best to you, I'm sure you know after reading this what you need to do. xxxxx Natalie
Hi Stacey, new to this site myself, start my chemo next week. These decisions you have to make are very difficult. My decision was to choose between a 12 wk course and an 18 wk course of chemo. Not the same as you, i know, but the oncologist said to make a choice that would give me the least regrets down the track. If, in the future, i develop more cancer, it would be good to look back and say 'i did everything i could'. Whatever you decide, be happy with the decision and i wish you all the best.
Hazel xx
Hi Stacey,
Obviously each person makes their own decision.
For me I took the chemo route and would have taken it no matter how small the % difference was as I felt that I would do anything to not die of breast cancer if I could help it. I am now 2 years down the track and am happy that I made that choice. I saw a story on the tv yesterday about chiller caps that are now in Australia that mostly prevent hair loss, when I had treatment you could buy them from America. So work a look into that. I had frozen gloves and feet thingys to protect my nails and hands and these worked.
Good Luck with your decisions,
Julia
Not easy whatever you do really; for me it felt right not to have chemotherapy and i was fortunate to be referred to an oncologist who said he felt chemotherapy overused in my 'case'--but really all of my treatment has been to conserve the breast, few scans and radiation and hormone treatment --and that feels right; except it does mean you have to accept that it isnt 100% 'cure(which i dont think chemo provides despite some testimonials); and then live with that. I also have to look for affirming messages for my choice--ie research, other women who havent had chemotherapy and today with rad oncologist who said my treatment was 'standard' treatment and not the 'fringe' that it sometimes can feel like. I would do chemotherapy despite my anxiety if it really meant a significant difference; but for me it means probable whole host of difficulties. Im amazed that there seems to be tv presenters vowing to 'aggressively treat' small slow growing breast cancer with double mascetomies and assumption of chemotherapy ...
best wishes
