To Chemo or Not to Chemo
Hi everyone, Im 8 weeks post surgery (lumpectomy for ILC). I transferred from Peter Mac to my local public hospital under the impression i’d be doing Radiation.. moving between hospitals has lengthened my time waiting for treatment. After both multidisciplinary meetings, both medical teams have recommended chemotherapy. Everything I read says ILC doesn’t respond to Chemo. I’m so confused! I borrowed money to do the Oncotype test and have now been told it’s not accurate for premenopausal women. Anyone have a similar experience or suggestions on who I can talk to about how to make the right decision. To chemo or not to chemo? Medically: 2 x 2cm tumors removed, Clear Margins post surgery, one 1.4mm deposit found in one of three lymph nodes.
Low Vitamin D level
Hello everyone, I had my second AC treatment yesterday and got the result of a Vitamin D blood test which showed my level was 37 which is low. I now have to start on a massive dose of Vitamin D made up by a compound chemist. Has anyone else had this problem? I would be interested to hear. Thank you.
HER2+ ER+ - huge side effects
Hi I was diagnosed with HER2 positive and estrogen positive breast cancer in October 24 Am having chemo / Herceptin - perjeta weekly until 20/1 then prob surgery end of February. As I’m older 73 am so worried about survival rates and if the treatment will work I’ve had no ultrasound or anything to see if the tumour has reduced and I have a satellite cell next yo my tumour - multi 3 breast cancer it’s been terrifying to say the least and still in shock and have had huge side effects - numbness - chemo rash and sores all over my body / hair loss despite having the gold hat and diarrhoea
Considering EndoPredict before accepting Chemo
Hi everyone, I did a search and this topic hasn't been mentioned in a while since 2023. The main difference seems to be that EndoPredict ($2980) is now eligible for partial Medicare rebate ($1103). However, it is still a considerable cost for many of us. I'm having to decide whether to take the test and hope that maybe the outcome could be that Chemo is not of benefit to me. Going by what the medical oncologist told me it is doubtful that Chemo would not benefit me - the use of "aggressive" to describe my stage 3 cancer makes me think that. Though he did still mention the testing to me so I had a choice. I'm torn and scared. With my previous cancer (liposarcoma) I didn't have Chemo so it is an unknown scary beast. My two main concerns with Chemo are the heart and bone damage risks. I get that the decision to have the test is a very personal one and nobody can make that choice for me. For me it isn't just financial, the main choice is whether I consider Chemo is worth it. Even if the test comes out a low percentage for recurrence, is that enough for me to say no to Chemo? After all, the test is the risk of recurrence in 10 years and personally, I'm now on cancer number 2 (different types) in a 14 year period. Have many of you have taken the test? Or would you take it now that it is partially rebated by Medicare? Thank you for reading and being sounding boards.
Getting prepared for 12 cycles of Taxol
Hi All, Hope everyone is doing great here and managing the side effects well. I completed my 4 cycles of the AC/Dc combo package and will start with the 12 cycles of weekly taxol from mid September. Luckily for me the red devil was not too bad apart from I have lost complete taste Nd my hair is gone . The nausea and minor reflux issues were managed well with medication and fatigue was also ok for me. I was constipated though and needed coloxyl. Can you all share your experiences with taxol. I can make a list of what to expect and atleast be mentally prepared. I am returning to part time work from 1st October and hoping to get some experiences as how work can be managed? The support and stories give a lot of encouragement :) Thanks Priya
Does Grade 3 tumour always mean chemo?
I am 43 and newly diagnosed node positive ER/PR+ HER2- 21mm tumour Grade 3. Having lumpectomy and axilla lymph node surgery this week. My surgeon has confirmed radiation and the nurses have talked about hormone treatment (Tamoxifen). But every time I mention chemotherapy everyone goes silent and won’t say whether it’s likely or not… it’s driving me nuts. They say I need to wait for pathology after surgery etc, but then I know I have very limited time to be organised ahead of chemo if it’s required. I have long curly hair which is a key part of my identity so I am trying to be practical and look at how to manage the hair loss - especially for my children. I am thinking of getting my hair cut shorter first (soon) so that it’s better for cold capping if that is an option. Being Xmas period it’s impossible to get into my hairdresser so I need ti be organised. So my question is whether anyone my age has not been given chemotherapy for a Grade 3 type tumour. Any feedback welcome. Thanks!
Chemo packing list
Hello everyone, A few of the lovely ladies here have already given me some chemo tips, but just wondering if anyone has a packing list for chemo. I'm doing my first session on Monday (the AC/followed by something or other, every 2 weeks) and I'm not doing the cold cap thing. So far I have icy poles Puzzles, books, phone which has music etc Notebook and pen Chewing gum Blanket (though not sure whether to take big or small one) Water Will take snacks/lunch though don't know what. Is that everything I need? And I forgot to ask if I can wear my contact lenses? Might just take my specs so I can remove the lenses if necessary.Ice gloves - ideas needed please
Hello ladies, I am starting chemo next week. AC (4x every fortnight) and then Taxol (12x weekly). I have been using the search and came across posts shared by @shs14 and @poodlejules about ice gloves during chemo for PN preventative measures. Have literally just placed orders to purchase socks for the feet and plan to DIY with fingers ( using ice cubes and plastic container). Unfortunately, the socks will not arrived in time for my first Chemo next week. Can anyone please help me with what other feasible DIY ideas are there for the feet. P.s. I spoke to the oncologist nurse and she said it isn’t ‘standard of care’, 😭 and no evidence it works. But if I don’t do it, I will totally regret not even trying taking preventive measures. once again, thank you in advance! xx Gin
Chemo decision
hi all i had mastectomy on 21st December- it was lobular 55mm and multiple lesions as a result I definitely need radiotherapy and hormone blocker however they are suggesting I also have chemo due to size and multiple but I am not sure whether to do this as well or not as only improves outcome by about 6-7% and obviously concerned about side effects has anyone else been in this position and what did you decide? Have the weekend to decide and if I go ahead with chemo I start next Friday hoping someone can give some suggestions!