Newbie..Tamoxifen?and the whole rollercoaster ride.

smilie

Hi! I am brand new to this site, so I apologize if this has been a thread already, but I couldn't find it. I had a lumpectomy on June 1 and am going back on Wed. for a reexision(Sp?) as they didn't get enough margin on one side. I am waiting for Onco score which should be here on Tuesday. The oncologist has pretty much told me radiation, 5yrs tamoxifen and depending on onco.score possible Chemotherapy. When this whole process started it was such a 'vague' finding on ultrasound that the Radiologist at the hospital actually gave me the  option to 'opt out' of having the biopsy and they'd just keep an eye on it every 3 months, 99%chance it'll be normal..and I needed piece of mind, was there anyways so just do it! And here I am..stage 0-1, lumpectomy w/SNB, now I have to go back and mention of Tamoxifen and now Chemo...I am FREAKED right out! I feel like I'm being told by this oncologist what to do, not really an option. I am an exercise-nut who despises drugs and any meds other than a multi-vitamin! I guess I'm really just looking for some feedback about ALL of it, from some people who have lived it. Not to mention, I was thrilled and super-positive after the lumpectomy..to hear that I had to go back really just threw me for a loop, didn't expect that at all. Any advice..pros/cons...I'd appreciate anything!

Newone

Hi I feel your pain. On June 8 I had my lumpectomy and have yet to see the rad onc. It has been suggested so far that I will need radiation followed by tamox for five years. I am considering not doing either. I am a stage 1 NO MO with clear margins. I am very concerned about side effects. Any advice from someone who went without treatment I would love to hear back from you.