To have chemo or not
Has any one decided to not do chemo? Be gentle! I had a 25mm idc removed, margins not clear of dcis, further excision, dcis still present. ER/PR +,HER2 negative, no traces in the 3 sentinel nodes. ...
Forum Discussion
I’ve met a few people through the days I was nursing and on this journey with my mother who chose to say no to chemo, and with my mother she had surgery first and then with the oncologist discussed her fears about chemo in depth including being told that some women chose not to have chemo, some started and withdrew from chemo, and others went ahead with it. My mother chose to go ahead but was reassured she could withdraw at any time and told me she felt the manner of the doctor was supportive so she didn’t feel pressured, and further felt reassured that the dr understood and wouldn’t judge if she decided to say no or doesn’t do the full chemo.
You’re definitely not alone if you say no to chemo, just make sure it’s your decision without feeling pressured, and that you’ve had a chance to discuss your options openly, ideally with a doctor you feel comfortable with. My mum also got a second opinion before starting chemo as she was terrified and extremely anxious about it. Here is a great place, and there’s also options like discussing your anxiety and concerns with a McGrath nurse or Cancer Council support services or counsellors. One of my aunts decided against chemo surgery, and she stands by that decision a couple of years later, my mother made a different decision.
Remember whatever decision, it’s your body and your life, and make sure you spend at least some time doing things you enjoy whether having treatment or not 🌺