Just told I need chemo. Now what?

DaniLind

anyone get a pathology report back with on sentinel node having some cells in it but not escaped out of that node? I'm scared. Is there chemo options that don't cause hair loss? Is just radiation for this still an option? Still in pain after the lumpectomy.

Beesie

Yes, it is very possible that the sentinel node could have cancer but it hasn't spread any further.

Who advised you that you need chemo? A single node with cancer would not necessary mean that. With less than 4 positive nodes, the NCCN Guidelines recommend having an Oncotype test (multigene assay) done to determine the benefits of chemo.

Meow13

If you are worried about hair loss look into Rapunzel project, also threads for cold capping.

AliceBastable

I'm proof of what Beesie said. I had a micromet in my sentinel node. The MO and BS had the oncotype done, and it came back a 17, which meant no chemo.

letsgogolf

I also had micromets in the first node but did not have chemo due to my low Onco score. If I were you I would definitely insist on having this test.

MoonGirlJess

Absolutely get the Oncotype. I had 3 positive nodes. My first onc said she would get the Oncotype but didn’t. I had AC and Taxol. I asked my new onc to please run the Oncotype and she did. My Oncotype was 10 and it stated chemo was ‘no apparent benefit’. I was already done with chemo so it is what it is. I probably would have done chemo but wouldn’t have had to have the nasty AC, I would have had TC instead. But, it’s done. My rad onc told me that most of us with lobular have low Oncotype scores but I’m sure there are exceptions to that.

Salamandra

Docs have different positions on whether or not to run the oncotype test with positive nodes. Mine told me that if I'd had any positive nodes, she would have not run the test and just gone straight for chemo.

But your doc is not God. I think it's a good idea to get a second opinion and make the docs explain it to you until you're satisfied and feel good about your decision, one way or the other. They can also explain the different options within chemo.

Runrcrb

Danilind, sorry you are still in pain post-lumpectomy. It will get better. Regarding further treatment, please talk to your doctors, asking questions until you understand their recommendations and options. Get a second opinion if you want but do make sure you’re clear on what any doctor is recommending.

You specifically asked about hair loss. I’m fairly certain that the chemos used for breast cancer result in hair loss. As mentioned above there are some threads on cold caps and if you’re interested talk to your oncologist- again make sure you understand. My hair fell out two weeks after my first chemo. I had purchased a wig prior to chemo and honestly got more compliments on my hair over the next 6 months than in the prior 6 years. I didn’t lose my eyebrows or eyelashes but some women do. I stopped wearing a wig after 6 months and now, two years later, have much curlier hair.

Ask questions of your doctors until you understand and feel you are making informed decisions.

Good luck