Skipping the Chemo

meljpar

I met with my oncologist this morning to discuss chemo.  With my diagnosis (Medullary, triple neg, stage1, grade 3, 1 cm, node neg, BRCA1 neg, partial mastectomy, age 50), he says I have a 75.8% chance that my cancer won't return without chemo treatment for the next 10 years.  With chemo, I have a 90% chance.  However, this chemo sounds very, very bad - 20 weeks total - possible heart problems, immune system problems, etc.  I'd love to hear from anyone who has opted not to do chemo - or anyone who has any thoughts on my seriously considering not doing it.  Thank you.

pupmom

It is your decision and your life, but I wouldn't mess around with those stats. SEs sound scary because drs have to include every one of them in their disclaimers, but they are NOT universal. From what I've heard chemo is never pleasant, but the life threatening SEs are relatively rare.  If you opt to try chemo and it beccomes intolerable or you get SEs that are worse than the risks of dying from cancer you can always stop. JMHO, as I am a newbie on this "adventure."

Best wishes and take care! 

Yorkie 

SpecialK

meljpar - what chemo regimen is being recommended for you?

MsBliss

Meljpar, I was almost the same as you, only I had a larger tumor, with additional high grade DCIS. I also was not considered technically "true medullary", just medullary features. However, some features are more favorable than others, depending on which study you have read.



Can you tell me more about the medullary nature of your diagnosis and any other markers or histopathology, lymphvascular status, etc, you may know? I did a tremendous amount of research, also my bil is an onc, and as you can see from my stats, I did end up opting out. It was not an easy decision and I can only tell you what my experience was. As you must know, triple negative is a nasty beast.

sweetbean

you should post on the alternative forum -this forum is frequented by women who do conventional AND alternative (the definition of complementary).  The strictly alternative ladies are on the Alternative thread.  (If I were you, I'd do the chemo.  I did the chemo - finished in March and am fine.)  But check out the Alternative Forum.

meljpar

Hi SpecialK - The info the doctor gave me says 3rd generation regimens.

meljpar

Hi MsBliss -  After being on this site, I've come to realize that I don't have enough info.  I'm picking up my reports today and I'll send you what is on them.  I really want to hear what you think. 

meljpar

Thank you yorkiemom and sweetbean for your comments.

pupmom

You're welcome meljpar! We're all in this together! God bless!!