Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2013My onco score was 29 and I decided not to have chemo or radiation. My oncologist wanted me to go through both. She said that it would only increase my chances of cancer returning by 5 percent, and that was not enough for me. I had a mastectomy in Jan. of this year and am doing fine. My cancer...
My onco score was 29 and I decided not to have chemo or radiation. My oncologist wanted me to go through both. She said that it would only increase my chances of cancer returning by 5 percent, and that was not enough for me. I had a mastectomy in Jan. of this year and am doing fine. My cancer was fed by hormones. I had a lump that was 5 cm with negative lymph nodes. I would talk to my oncologist to see how likely your cancer would return without the chemo or radiation. This was my choice. I am on hormone blockers for 5 years, and I felt that if that is what was feeding the cancer, it should be enough as they removed everything! Good luck with whatever you decide and go through!
Nicole,
Your Oncologist will give you the long list of side effects from chemotherapy. You are literally take a type of poison which kills both cancer cells and other fast dividing good cells. It's a tough call. After having been through chemo, I would look long and hard at all sides of this. ...
Nicole,
Your Oncologist will give you the long list of side effects from chemotherapy. You are literally take a type of poison which kills both cancer cells and other fast dividing good cells. It's a tough call. After having been through chemo, I would look long and hard at all sides of this. You can't tell if you are going to be the one the chemotherapy does irreparable harm and damage to your body. I came out of it with severe osteoporosis. Other women come out with heart damage that can't be repaired. A woman I worked with and my mother-in-law both died of the heart complication..... not their cancer's. There is no way to advise or describe how you will feel going through chemotherapy. It is a very tough struggle in which you have to depend on others to help get you through it. If you have a job, you may not be able to continue until you are through treatment. If you have children, they are going to be seeing a pretty sick Mommy. On top of that.... you will lose your hair, possibly eyelashes, eyebrows, too..... the worst of all....ugh.
Women need to choose the treatment options and be as aggressive as will make them feel they have done what is possible. Despite a low onco score, you really want to feel you have done every treatment available to you. If so, then it is really only up to you. My Onc and I discussed women who, no matter if a treatment is only going to be of 1% benefit to them, they still wanted it. This is your body, your choice, your life and if choosing to go ahead with a more aggressive treatment then it doesn't matter what anybody else advises.
I hope more weigh in on your question.... it's a tough one.
Take care, and good luck, Sharon
Asked by anonymous
Stage 4 PatientGreetings Jacqueline my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Stay encouraged and never lose hope. Love and Blessings
Comment 1Bummer. After my first chemo I had similar symptoms. Dr recommended using moist wipes and tucks and prep h. You should probably consult your doctor. Good luck!
Comment 1Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerHere I go again.... Try lindi skin it is the only thing I could use. Even aloe gave me a rash. The nurse gave me samples and it worked. I still use the body wash a year later. I swear I don't work for them their products are the only thing that worked. www.lindiskin.com
Comment 1Tea tree oil for breakouts and vitamin E oil mixed w yur face cream for dry skin
Comment 1Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI put on 30lbs. Steriods accounted for about 15. The other are still hanging around. It doesn't help I was 15 to 20 over before I started chemo. More than a little stress eating from the time I was diagnosed got through sugery and got to chemo more than 1 bottle of wine and bag of potato chips...
I put on 30lbs. Steriods accounted for about 15. The other are still hanging around. It doesn't help I was 15 to 20 over before I started chemo. More than a little stress eating from the time I was diagnosed got through sugery and got to chemo more than 1 bottle of wine and bag of potato chips were consumed.
It took me awhile, maybe 6 months . I'm little n don't eat much to begin with, getting back to exercise was the key
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
PatientCongratulations, Jennifer! A big hurdle behind you!
Comment 0Jennifer,
YIPPEE! Another chunk down and on to the next. I had a mastectomy, and thought it was very easy. I had a drain in for about 10 days, it was then taken out. I know my completely pain free surgery was unusual but just to let you know it can happen. I wish every woman my same...
Jennifer,
YIPPEE! Another chunk down and on to the next. I had a mastectomy, and thought it was very easy. I had a drain in for about 10 days, it was then taken out. I know my completely pain free surgery was unusual but just to let you know it can happen. I wish every woman my same experience. I did not have radiation so can't comment on that procedure. You just march right through your next steps in your treatment like the warrior you ARE! Hang in there, Jennifer, your sisters are all behind you with love and much support. Take care, Sharon
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerFrancine,
You live your life, follow your oncologists suggestions for check-ups, and don't dwell on the what-if's(?) We have been treated for our disease, and just as our other sister's have said.... hopefully we never have to face it again. Now get out there and have some fun! Take care, Sharon
Hopefully never
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerLaura,
I had the same report.... in one of my nodes. My onc. and surgeon said pretty much the same thing. It did not change my treatment, the node was removed. All it did was change my stage from 2A to 2B. Do I worry about it 5 years later.... NO. I am also on a hormone blocker but it is...
Laura,
I had the same report.... in one of my nodes. My onc. and surgeon said pretty much the same thing. It did not change my treatment, the node was removed. All it did was change my stage from 2A to 2B. Do I worry about it 5 years later.... NO. I am also on a hormone blocker but it is Femara. You have done all you can do. You have received all the treatments available. Now Laura, it is your job and duty to LIVE YOUR LIFE. Let the doctor's worry about your health. God's blessings to you. You have been on "high alert" for a long time.... let it go. Take care, Sharon
I have stage 2b ductal carcinoma. I had a lynpectomy and also involvement in 1 of 3 nodes that were removed. I haven't started treatment. I'm having the Oncotype DX done and had a PET scan done last Fri. I have a follow-up with my oncologist Thurs. to go over the results of both. Ask your...
I have stage 2b ductal carcinoma. I had a lynpectomy and also involvement in 1 of 3 nodes that were removed. I haven't started treatment. I'm having the Oncotype DX done and had a PET scan done last Fri. I have a follow-up with my oncologist Thurs. to go over the results of both. Ask your doctor about these tests if it will make you feel better.
Asked by anonymous
PatientJennifer,
It sounds like it could be a neuropathy problem. Ask your doctor as soon as you can. Nerves can recover it just takes time. Take care, Sharon
I haven't had tremors but my hands do ache at night .. I notice this at night n in morn ..weird things happen to our bodies ..i told dr but he didnt know , I'm 3 months post chemo .. But still on Herceptin n tamoxifen .. Ask yur dr , could b nerve issues u r having ?
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI have heard all good, and successful stories with this product. Sounds like it is well worth investing in it. Good luck to all! Sharon
Comment 1My eyelashes came back pretty well but they are not as long as they used to be. Thickness is fine but not length. Maybe I'll give it a whirl! Thanks for the suggestion.
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientJust be comfortable. Bring someone with you and something to do. Just relax - u will get thru this .
1 comment 2Good luck stay positive. When I had my chemo I was more afraid of it than anything else. Turns out it wasn't that bad. I just made sure I took all the meds at the correct times that my doctors prescribed. I was afraid of the fear of chemo . Once the 1st treatment was over I realized ....I can...
Good luck stay positive. When I had my chemo I was more afraid of it than anything else. Turns out it wasn't that bad. I just made sure I took all the meds at the correct times that my doctors prescribed. I was afraid of the fear of chemo . Once the 1st treatment was over I realized ....I can do this, it is amazing what we let. Fear do to us. Be very good to yourself you deserve it. God Bless
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