T/C chemotherapy

mudd

I know I've written a lot the past few days but my Oncotype came back very high (48) and even though I had a BMX with no node involvement, stage 2 my doctor said I need T/C chemo. I don't understand why since the tumor is out of my body and didn't spread what is this chemo going to kill except healthy cells? He said even people that have had spread to the lymph nodes can have a less aggressive tumor and not need chemo. He also mentioned CMF but suggested T/C for me. Like I said before I am 65, have a long life to look forward to, but don't understand why I need this.

keepthefaith

mudd, the onco-score is one of the tools Dr's use to determine the best treatment for your cancer. There are other factors as well. You should discuss your pathology with your Dr. and ask why he recommends chemo. A higher grade tumor responds to chemo better than a lower grade; they look at family history, genetic mutations, co-morbidities, etc. Unfortunately, cancer treatment is not as black and white as we think it would be. If you are not comfortable with your Dr's recommendations, gather all of your medical reports, get as much information as you can and seek a second opinion. There are no guarantees and everyone responds differently to treatment. Ultimately, it is your decision, but not to be taken lightly, imo. My onco-score was 21. I don't have any regrets doing chemo. We all have to do what we think is best for our situation. Best wishes as you navigate through this.

mudd

Are the effects of TC chemotherapy cumulative? I am coming up to my fourth treatment and #3 I had horrible SE that lastedalmost for 2 weeks. WIll this one be even worse? I am at the finish line and as excited as I am to stop this, I am dreading the side effects after the last one.

LeesaD

Mudd- for me after first three treatments I felt ok days four/five. My last treatment I was expecting the same and felt awful for about 10 days. It's your last one and you can do it! Best of Luck!

Sjacobs146

Even though the tumor was removed, there's no guarantee that they got all the cancer in your body. By using a systemic treatment like chemo therapy, you have a greater chance of catching any stray cancer cells that might be lurking about

Sjacobs146

mudd, I do think the treatments get worse :-(. As I went through the treatments, I learned some strategies for dealing with SEs. I was lucky to have had my last treatment during the Christmas holidays so I was able to take it easy at home for a week after my 4th treatment. I hope that your final treatment goes smoothly