Long-term SEs from CMF?

sos1125

Hoping for some help from anyone who has gone through CMF:

I had a 1.1cm idc, stage 1a, grade 2, ER+/PR-, HER2-, node-negative tumor. Recently learned that my Oncotype DX score is 30 (very top of "intermediate risk" category) and am considering chemo, on the cusp of making a decision. I am 59 years old.

It appears after speaking with several oncologists that my absolute benefit from doing chemo is hard to calculate... but with the small tumor, I've been told possibly 2-5% benefit--they figured since the report shows recurrence range 15-24% and the test subjects include people with tumors up to 5cm, it's likely I would be on the lower end of the recurrence scale, but who really knows. I am considering 6 months of CMF. Terrified of any chemo protocol, but also afraid I will live with a lot of extra fear if I skip chemo with such a high Oncotype DX score.

I am trying to learn more about long-term side effects of CMF therapy before making a final decision. I understand that I can expect short-term SEs such as some (or all) hair loss, fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, constipation and/or diarrhea. I have read that "chemo brain" or the brain fog that occurs during chemo can persist in some people, but I understand that this is true with any sort of chemo, sadly.

My online research shows that CMF carries the potential for heart damage (immediate risk and developing after treatment), liver damage, vision problems, and some small risk for leukemia. Has anybody here experienced any of that? My understanding is the side effects of CMF are about the mildest you can expect from systemic chemotherapy delivered through an IV. I know many would say CMF may be slightly less effective than the more aggressive "3rd generation" chemo regimens, however, since the benefit in my situation is slightly iffy in any case, I would forego an extra 1% benefit for a lower risk of long-term problems created by the chemo itself. I know CMF would mean 6 months of chemo, and I still have radiation therapy to come.

Thanks in advance for any information, I appreciate it.