Why Chemo - if they got all the Cancer out in the lumpectomy?

Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock

Yea, I bet a few of you may have had the same question. I am told it is for insurance or as a precaution. I met today with the oncologist for the first time (there are a LOT of first these days). He is the one who told me that technically I am cancer free as a result of the lumpectomy. The lump was contained, no cancer cells in the margins,  and none in the nodes. Wonderful. However he suggested Chemo. I am really struggling with the common sense of this idea. The analysis he did for my particulars shows that "NO therapy' - 48 out of 100 women are alive and without cancer in 10 years, 46% of women relapse." Are these 'good' odds? Has anyone out there had similar findings? What to do, what to do? Any information either pro or con is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Carren

wrenn

hi Carren, sorry you got this diagnosis.  It depends on what type of cancer you have. For triple negative they tend to recommend chemo because it is aggressive and some cancer cells may have escaped before the surgery.  Be sure to ask your oncologist the risk for your particulare type.  Good luck.  It is a hard decision.

Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock

Thank you wrenn for your comment back. It was the start of my 'change of attitude, and keep an open mind' about Chemo.

I went to the Chemo Education at the Central Alberta Cancer Center (new) here in town and it was a great wealth of knowledge, cleared up some questions, made a few more but most informative was going for coffee afterwards with a gal starting Chemo on Jan 3rd. She had done a lot of reading, lots of experience and cleared up some more myths for me. So, I have decided - phew, give me a minute - to do Chemo. There, I said it. LOL Afterwards I went to my Dentist and have a number of appointments made (starting the 27/29th of December) and want to get it all done BEFORE I go to Chemo - as instructed by Oncologist. Something I have been procrastinating about but now am motivated to do. Appointment set with my MD for Jan 13th to have 'a chat' and then I will - at the end of all the dentistry - book my Chemo; sometime in January. Do you think that time is an issue? Should I maybe NOT wait? Hmm, good question for the Triage Nurse I suppose. Thank you so much. Carren

flannelette

In my opinion you have made the right decision. I will never forget what my onc said "cancer cells are like thistle down blowing in the wind - you never know where one will land, and of course, stage 4 is incurable." that was all I needed to know. Just because the tumor was cut out and you have no nodes positive does not guarantee cancer-free.  And now you have added your dx - ER &PR negative. Therefore you will not be able to be helped down the line by aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen. Take the chemo and be glad you live in Canada where you don't have to fight your insurance for it. (sorry for the slight rant, but please take every "insurance" you can, including rads if they offer it, rather than deeply regret not having taken what was being handed to you earlier) and Merry Christmas.

Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock

Thanks flannelette! I knew it was in my best interest to ask the experts - that would be those (you) who have journeyed down this path before me. Yes, now that my decision is made, I just need to tell family, friends and I suppose - work. LOL. It is still slightly daunting and overwhelming and I do not process stuff to fast; like to take my time. However this can not be one of those times. So today the decision is made. I am going 'cancer free talk' for Christmas and Boxing Day - my gift to family, haha and then onwards with a mission in mind. I have an appointment set with the Radiation Oncologist for Jan 8th already; dentist in the morning and him in afternoon; stellar day! I look forward to seeing how all this unfolds. Merry Christmas to you too!

Today, I am baking. I am teaching myself to knit also. Time for things I did not have time for before and hopefully it will relieve the boredom of being home and keep my fingers out of the cookie jar!