Chemo Options

tammyjden

I am 41 years old and will have my oncologist appointment on 10/11/10.  I'd like to find out as much as I can about my chemo options before my appointment so I know what kind of questions to ask.

I was diagnosed with DCIS and had mastectomy on right side and sentinal node biopsy.  After the pathology report came back, it showed invasive tumors (1.4 cm) and micrometastisized in 1 of 5 lymph nodes, Ki-67 was at 37%.  I am ER/PR postive and Her2 negative.  My cancer has now been upgraded to stage 1 IDC and instead of just taking Tamoxifen for 5 years I will have to undergo more aggressive chemo. 

I'm just trying to get a good knowledge of what kind of chemo others are taking with this diagnosis and their side effects before my appointment with Onco.

Thank you,

Tammy

KatherineNaomi

Have you had the oncotype test done? It's a genetic test that they do on your tumor to determine your risk of recurrence over the next 10 years and assesses the likely benefit from certain types of chemotherapy.

My stats are very similar to yours. I had the Oncotype test done and got a score in the lower range but because of my young age and the fact that I had micromets in one of my lymph nodes we felt chemo was necessary. I'm doing 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan and so far it really has been much better than I thought it would be. I have about a week of feeling under the weather and than 2 weeks of feeling good. My biggest side effects have been hair loss, some gastro-intestinal issues (diarrhea/constipation but not too bad) and some bone pain from the Neulasta shot (it's kept my white blood counts nice and high though!). A lot of the side effects I was worried about I haven't had yet like mouth sores, fatigue, nail issues, acne, neuropathy, etc. I am using Biotene tooth paste and mouth wash and icing my nails during my Taxotere infusion. So far so good. 

Waiting for the oncologist appointment is hard. I know you probably have so many questions for them. I'm sure you'll feel much better once your treatment plan is in place! Best of luck to you.

tammyjden

Thank you for your information Kate.  I have not met with the oncologist yet and have not had an oncotype test done.  I think I'm still in shock as I was expecting to take Tamoxifen and that's it.  I didn't prepare myself for chemo.  I had immediate reconstruction using he latissimus dorsal flap and implant.  It's been 3 weeks since my surgery and I'm still in lots of pain so I can't imagine more needles and sickness any time soon.  It's a little overwhelming right now. 

One question, are you able to work while you are taking chemo?  I work for a wonderful organization that will let me take off all the time I need for surgery and chemo.  Financially we are okay, but I miss my job!

Thanks again!

flopsy

tammyjden....I was not able to work during chemo but I had AC and T so that is probably a little different from what they will recommend for you.  I recommend you wait and see how you feel.  I, too,thought that I could work during treatment but was glad that I did not have to for it would have been horrible.  I have finished chemo and am now doing rads and I go back to work on Monday.  I am very thankful for my FMLA that I could take and just rest and take care of myself during surg and treatment.  It does take a lot more out of you if you are spreading yourself thin.  I did not want to get sick and have to be hospitalized and slow tx done.  Just things to think about.  Good luck with whatever you decide and always ask the ladies here on the boards anything that you need because they are the best resource available to you.  LOL, Ginny