Survivors who skipped radiation and/or hormone therapy

dogsandjogs

I would really like to find out who has skipped radiation and hormone therapy. I decided to skip rads because of my age (75) and the worry about damage to my heart, lungs and bones.  I haven't yet decided about hormone therapy, but will probably start that when I get my insurance problem solved as my family wants me to do it.

MrsChorlton

I am skipping both rads and hormone therapy. My med onc told me I'm not the only one of his patients to try alt therapy, he'll remain my onc and I'm glad for that! I've altered my diet even more and I'm seeing an ND and feel this treatment makes sense for me at this time in my life. I'm 52 and everyday is precious to me. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Having said that -I want to live to be 112!

I have often see you post, and wanted to pm you a few times, just been so busy.

dogsandjogs

Mrs.Chorlton:

Please do message me when you have time. Would love to chat with you--

o2bhealthy

I skipped rads and went off Tamoxifen after 8 months...I am 40

Like MrsC there is no guarantee in life and I want a QOL, the tamox made me feel like I was just existing and I ached like my 89 yr old grandpa.   My DH is behind me 100% and if I have to fight this beast again, I'll look at the options available at that time.  I have changed my eating habit's and am trying to increase exercise but that has been hard with working full time and raising teenagers. 

TonLee

O2B,

Did you still have your ovaries??  How ER+ were you?  Do you have a percentage?

Thanks!

o2bhealthy

Yes, still have ovaries, 10-15% ER+ 

I went into chemopause with my TCH x 4.  Started Tamoxifen 12-2009, stopped 8-2010  had my first period the day I decided to stop Tamoxifen and they have been regular ever since. 

TonLee

Thanks for the info.  I was over 95% ER/PR...so I'm thinking there is no way around Tamox. 

o2bhealthy

(((TonLee))) - someone just started a new thread "looking for an alternative to Tamoxifen" you may want to check it out, there is some good information there... My onc advised i would have a 6% decrease in recurrence on Tamoxifen, from 11% to 5%, so with my markers I felt ok saying 'no', I am still scared sometimes and I do second guess myself but deep down I know I am doing what is right for me, at this time... 

TonLee

Thanks O2B, I'm keeping an eye on that thread. 

ericavw

Oooh! Love this thread! My Onc wanted me to go on Tamox as well, but being that I'm 30 and was married 3 weeks after diagnosis... she knows I want to start my family! She told me my risk of recurrence is less that 1/2 of 1% each year. If I go on Tamox, it'll cut that in 1/2 (about). I said no to Tamox... at least for now! I'm very leary of it.