Doctor Professional Opinion vs Personal Opinion

serenityprayer

Because of onco score 28 my surgeon professional opinion is chemo but he said his personal opinion is he would not do it . I am a healthy happy 68 year old . He said life quality is his choice over longevity . My oncologist said I'm in the gray area where chemo benefit is questionable for a potential 5%. Survival at 10 years 87% with chemo . 82%without chemo . I tend to think SE and potentially lasting complications not worth it BUT that score and path report LVI probably troubles me . You ladies are the best .Please help ! I feel like I have a gun at my back !

Warrior_Woman

Serenityprayer - I read an article once where many doctors were interviewed regarding their personal choices for treatments they routinely prescribed for their patients. Interestingly, most stated that they would not choose chemo for themselves. My score was 24 and my MO and I had previously decided that anything over 12 meant chemo for me. I have a genetic disorder that makes me high risk. And so I did chemo. It wasn't fun but I'm fine. I'm also 54 now and I expect that decision would change as I get older. Today, women are living longer with a systemic recurrence and the quality of life is improved. Whatever you decide you need to be comfortable with your decision. Either way - No regrets!

serenityprayer

Thanks, Warrior. Trying to get to that place of peace! I am due to start rad next week and Anastrozole after that. I'm worried about SE and potentially lasting complications from both but I am told I have more to gain from those. What do you mean by systematic recurrence?

serenityprayer

Also any feedback re: probable lymphovascular invasion in deciding whether or not to have chemo appreciated.

muska

I would find out what chemo your MO has in mind and also go for a second opinion with another reputable MO. There are many different chemo regimens out there and some are harder than others. Sometimes, patients are given options to chose from. Ask specific questions about the type of chemo you would be getting and the most likely side effects in your particular case.

Good luck with your decision!

Moderators

We agree that perhaps a second professional opinion may help you to decide.

Janetanned

Warrior - A survey in 1997 showed that 67% of doctors surveyed DO and would chose chemo. Another survey from 1991 reported as high as 98% of doctors questioned would take chemo therapy to treat cancer. The 2% were uncertain. None said no. Natural news (very anti-chemo) reports that 75% of doctors with terminal cancer would not subject themselves to experimental chemotherapies. That is very different than agreeing to be treated at an earlier stage with chemo that has been found to be successful.

An except from Philip Day's book includes a report that cites 64 out of 74 doctors responding to a questionnaire (118 were sent the questionnaire) would not subject themselves to a very specific and harsh experimental chemo containing cis-platinum to treat a very specific lung cancer. That is a very different statement than 'most doctors would not do chemo'.

My old MO did in fact recommend that her mother undergo AC/T to treat her BC. My BS, when asked if he would encourage his wife to undergo chemo to treat stage 3 ER/PR+, responded positively.

serenityprayer

Thanks everyone. No one is addressing my concern about LVI. Anyone?

Molly50

serenity, I was told by my MO and second opinion MO that the LVI is not considered a factor in deciding on chemo. My oncotype Dx was 13 so no chemo. I had extensive lvi plus two positive nodes. If I had an oncotype of 28 plus lvi I would opt for chemo or at least get a second opinion.

Denise-G

I would get a second opinion. My mom (who was 80 at diagnosis) got first opinion said she needed chemo and rads. We immediately went to a major breast cancer center where I had treatment. They did not recommend neither chemo nor rads. Huge difference.

Family friend was 60 at diagnosis. She went to MD Anderson for second opinion and ended up doing chemo, but not as much as was recommended at local hospital.

It is my opinion that you want to get it right the first time around because you will only be older if you have to face it in the future.

Sending my best!