No chemo a realistic option?

florence123

I was diagnosed at 45 2 years ago with her2positive, hormone receptive. I had a 3 centimeter tumor and 2 small ones in my left breast. I did everything that mo said. 6 rounds of chemo, left mastectomy, herceptin, currently on Femara and oophorectomy last Christmas. I was the poster child of health when diagnosed....ate organic for 15 years, exercised and did yoga, was 128 pounds and did my mamo every year. I was in super shape when they told me I had a very aggressive cancer! I could not believe it! Skipping chemo at your age is not reasonable. Cancer grows really fast the younger you are. I am two years out now and I feel as good as before my cancer marathon. I did work part time during chemo and my hair is very thick now. I have more hair now than before chemo. During chemo, I never had mouth sores and I just caught a cold. I had lots of meds for side effects and frankly the worst was the tiredness....this goes away too. I know it is hard and I did not want to start either. What really helped me was the cancer support community center we have here in my town. Try to find a place of solace like that to engage with other people in your shoes. It will give you courage and understanding. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Best to you, Florence.

Cath78

Hi there

I am 38 Her2+same as you. I had 1cm tumor IDC clear margins clear lymph node and it was reccomended that i have all treatment. .like someone who has late stage cancer... i said no. I was given an 80% chance of staying clear without treatment. I am aware of the side effects of all the radiation chemo Herceptin then years of hormone treatment .. not even to ensure never getting bc again.

I just can not seem to feel that it's right for me. If i had any seen cells then it may be a different story and i would bite the bullet.

I'm a bit stuck too as to where to find the best nutritional advice. What have you been suggested ?

chocomousse

Like florence123, I was a health nut for 20 years (vegetarian, no junk foods or soda either), never used hormonal birth control, non- drinker, non-smoker and still ended up with triple positive BC. My sister eats garbage everyday and so far is as healthy as an ox which has made me cynical about the advice linking diet to cancer prevention. I read one report that said that only 20-40% of cancers can be tied to diet and lifestyle, the other 60-80% occur irrespective of diet or lifestyle.