Confused on whether to do chemo or not

Dinaburg

I was misdiagnosed by 2 different radiologists in early nov 2013 said the lump in my nipple was nothing... Had a lumpectomy only to find out it was cancer.....I had 2 lumps that were cancer. I had a double mastectomy and it went to my sentinel node but no other nodes. I originally was told if it went to the sentinel node it was automatic chemo, but my oncologist ordered me the onco DX gene test and it says according to the gene study I have a low reoccurance rate and could do just tamoxifen. Now I'm confused as I was set to start chemo Monday. Cancer had a mind of it's own do I go by the gene test? I'm afraid of chemo because of the side affects and possible infection? 

Moderators

Hi Dinaburg and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

While you wait for the ever-helpful advice from other members here, you may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Who Gets Chemotherapy? to see what's usually suggested for different diagnoses. In addition, the Oncotype DX: Interpreting the Results page can help explain why your oncologist recommended what he/she did. 

Also, if you do end up getting chemo, the Chemotherapy: What to Expect section can help prepare you for side effects, and how to manage them, as well as explain the process.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

PaulAndSandy

If there is any node involvement, I would highly suggest going the chemotherapy route. My mom had a low recurrence rate too, yet 8 years later, her cancer returned anyway. Had she not had chemo, it probably would have returned sooner. This was all according to her onc that treated the recurring cancer. 

redlessi

My medical oncologist said I am in the intermediate or gray area as far as the benefits versus risks for chemo. I am also to receive radiation and hormone therapy. I want to decline chemo but so unsure thinking what ifs.

pupmom

Redlessi, I had a score of 14, but 2 positive nodes. My MO recommended no chemo because it would not benefit me. In fact my survival rate was determined to be higher WITHOUT chemo. I don't know what would have happened if I had been in the intermediate range. It's a tough call. Good luck!

margie79

Redlessi, my score was 19, also had a micromet (less than 2 mm) in one of the lymphnodes. I'm in the gray area also. The doctors left it up to me to decide so I am now participating in TailorX trial. I have been randomized to hormon/rads group. I am happy with my decision of letting the computer decide for me. If doctors do not know whether there is a benefit of chemo in my case, how I'm I supposed to know.

DizzyBird

Hi Dinaburg, I'm sorry about your diagnosis and that you are having to think about these treatment options.  Chemotherapy is no fun - I have just finished six months (two different regimes), lost my hair, gained loads of weight and feel pretty low.  That said, chemotherapy is a treatment, and it was never a question of whether or not I would have chemo, but only whether it was before or after surgery.  I thought a lumpectomy was a possibility in the beginning, but then a sentinel node biopsy came back positive so I had a left mx and chemo after surgery.  I did not want to look back and think that I had not done everything I could to tackle the cancer.  Once it gets into the lymph nodes, you just don't know whether it is getting into the rest of the body.  I know it's a rubbish decision to make, but I say go for the chemo.  Good luck.

AmyQ

I am sorry you are facing this terrible disease and the decisions regarding treatment. Initially I had the choice of chemo no chemo until bone mets were found. I wanted to throw everything I could at the cancer and although I had Taxotere and Cytoxen one of the harsher regimens, I was glad I did as after just 4 rounds there was no evidence of the cancer anywhere. But you have to weigh what's right for you. Many of the side effects can be managed with drugs and supplements so chemo doesn't have to be awful. Good luck 

Amy

AmyQ

I am sorry you are facing this terrible disease and the decisions regarding treatment. Initially I had the choice of chemo no chemo until bone mets were found. I wanted to throw everything I could at the cancer and although I had Taxotere and Cytoxen one of the harsher regimens, I was glad I did as after just 4 rounds there was no evidence of the cancer anywhere. But you have to weigh what's right for you. Many of the side effects can be managed with drugs and supplements so chemo doesn't have to be awful. Good luck 

Amy

maltomlin

I'm sorry, I'm not in the USA but we still have the same problems.

All I know is that I was dx with grade 3 and 3 of 24 lymph nodes involved. I'm still here.......nearly six years on......BUT I think that chemo was the deciding factor. Nobody wants to do it..............but it's the best treatment and the most effective.