Me so far......

 I had grade 2 cancer no lymph nodes were involved. I did not have to have chemo or radiation. My Oncologist said the risks from the chemo out weighed the benefits, which would be 1% benefit. I was really concerned I did not have to have chemo and she assured me If I needed it , she would have gone that way.Debbie

Hi Viv, I had .8 mm in one node which is apparently very small, I was given the option of chemo or no chemo.  The oncologists gave me the stats of chances of a recurrance and it was 10% less if I had the chemo so that was enough for me to go for it.  It is all based on their stats whether they recommend it or not. It was only because of that tiny bit that put me in the category of having the option of chemo.  If you are worried talk to your Breast Care Nurse about a second opinion, because you need to be really comfortable about it.  Don't feel silly or like you are undermining them because at the end of the day it's your body and you need to be comfortable with what is going on.  I am too in the public system but have found them good.  My surgeon also recommended a website www.cancer.org which is good for researching, and also https://www.cancer.nexcura.com/Secure/InterfaceSecure.asp?CB=266, which is a cancer treatment profiler on the same site.  I got my test report and searched some of the terms on this site to get a good understanding, I think it's good to know for yourself.  It sounds like you have a positive case though, no bad cells in your lymph nodes is a fantastic outcome, it is very very unlikely that there will be any in the others from what I understand.  I know it might sound ridiculous to you but you should be very happy, you are going to be a cancer SURVIVOR.  Think of it as a turning point in your life and start focusing on other things, good things.  I'm actually thinking of taking up ballroom dancing because I love Dancing with the Stars - now I know it's a bit out there (I've never danced in my life) but I thought why not - I am going to do some crazy and fun things and start loving my life because I appreciate it so much more now, I appreciate everything more now and can actually say I am happier and stronger from the experience.  Any time you need some words of encouragement I am happy to help.  Rach

From my experience,if you need chemo then the doctor's will insist you have it. If it's early breast cancer , no node involvement and estrogen+ve and they say you don't need it or it's up to you - then you most likely don't need it. It's an awful lot of pain and suffering if it's only going to help by 1 or2%.There is much more risk attached to having chemo than taking Tamoxifen or similar.

                                   Tonya

From my experience,if you need chemo then the doctor's will insist you have it. If it's early breast cancer , no node involvement and estrogen+ve and they say you don't need it or it's up to you - then you most likely don't need it. It's an awful lot of pain and suffering if it's only going to help by 1 or2%.There is much more risk attached to having chemo than taking Tamoxifen or similar.

                                   Tonya

Hi RacMay. Did you have any ca in your lymph nodes? I had a stage 1 and had none in my lymph, well not in the sentinal node. The doctors tell me I dont need chemo or radiation but I have read stories on here of women like yourself who have had chemo. I am wondering if the doctor has advised me wrong, I am in the public system and have had two visits with the oncologist and each time it was a different doctor so I am feeling a bit unsure if infact hormone therapy is in fact enough. I would appreciate your, and anybody elses, thoughts on this. I also liked your comments on your attitude. I have been having a bit of a time of it lately so your thoughts on being positive about this and reassessing your life have helped me a lot. Regards Viv

My emotional experience has been quite different, yes I was scared when I first found out, all I could think about was my two young children and who was going to cuddle them and be there for them through all their problems etc - Dad is not that way inclined if you know what I mean.- But as soon as the doctor told me it was stage 1 cancer I nearly jumped for joy, because I knew that Early Breast Cancer is no longer a death sentence and that I was going to get through it.  I have kept a 100% positive attitude throughout the whole ordeal and if anything it has been a positive experience for me because I used it as an opportunity to reevaluate my life in all areas and make some new decisions about how I am going to experience my life going forward.  Pretty much I worked up until the day before my mastectomy and went back to work 2 weeks later with the intention of getting all the women in my office to start regular checks and be on top of it.  Obviously early detection is the key otherwise it could be a whole different story, and I am just grateful that I had it checked when I did so i consider myself to be an extremely lucky person. I knew a lady who had secondary cancer and passed about 4 years ago from it, however through her journey she was so happy and positive and she was an inspiration to me the way she handled it and many people have told me that I have been the same to them over recent weeks which is really special.  I plan to take limited time off for my chemo, just get on with it, I think the word 'cancer' just has horrible connotations attached to it and people think the worst because of stories they have heard but it is not necessarily the case at all.  All I can say to you is stay strong, think about the great things you have in your life, even the small things, when you can appreciate the good things it puts you in a great frame of mind and you can take on anything. The power of the mind is an amazing amazing thing.  Sending positive thoughts your way!!

I have had a very similar journey. I found a lump that I new was there but thought was just breast tissue. It wasnt. I had a left mastectomy on 23 May with a sentinal node biopsy. The nodes were clear but I will never shake that feelling while I was waiting both for surgery and my path results. Terrifying on all levels. I was told chemo wouldnt help and wasnt worth it for the small 1.8% improvement on my chances so here I am on hormone therapy thinking OMG!! Now that I have dealt with the imediate danger I now am left with my emotions which arnt behaving as I expected. I hope this doesnt happen to you but I have been told by the ladies on this site that it is quite normal so if it is the case and your emotions misbehave on you come on here and let it all out. I for one will understand and you will get such support from all those that have been thru this and are now keeping on keeping on, as I hope to in time. I hope your chemo experience is a good one  for you and you cope with it well. It is going to help your chances so look at it as the words say, Therapy, not the same as massage therapy but still helpful for your body. If the days are too much sometimes that is what we are here for. I for one have vented and cried on here a couple of  times. All the best and keep us posted on here and all my good thoughts to you. X

I have had a very similar journey. I found a lump that I new was there but thought was just breast tissue. It wasnt. I had a left mastectomy on 23 May with a sentinal node biopsy. The nodes were clear but I will never shake that feelling while I was waiting both for surgery and my path results. Terrifying on all levels. I was told chemo wouldnt help and wasnt worth it for the small 1.8% improvement on my chances so here I am on hormone therapy thinking OMG!! Now that I have dealt with the imediate danger I now am left with my emotions which arnt behaving as I expected. I hope this doesnt happen to you but I have been told by the ladies on this site that it is quite normal so if it is the case and your emotions misbehave on you come on here and let it all out. I for one will understand and you will get such support from all those that have been thru this and are now keeping on keeping on, as I hope to in time. I hope your chemo experience is a good one  for you and you cope with it well. It is going to help your chances so look at it as the words say, Therapy, not the same as massage therapy but still helpful for your body. If the days are too much sometimes that is what we are here for. I for one have vented and cried on here a couple of  times. All the best and keep us posted on here and all my good thoughts to you. X

Was yours a hormone cancer?  What stage of chemo are you up to?

It's crazy isn't it?  My experience has been very similar, had my left mastectomy 3 weeks ago and just a trace of cells came back in my nodes.  At hospital this week to start chemo.  You're right it all happens so fast it is really surreal, but yes good to get it all out of the way quickly.  Best of Luck xx