Questions for all, PLEASE help

Hi there

I did chemo, no radiation.  I dont think my side effects have been to horrible.  I would have to say the worst for me is the sinus issues I have right now. 

I had adriamycin which can cause issues with your hear....but the really important word is "could" not would but could. 

I looked at it this way, the odds of having no treatment and my cancer returning was huge.  The odds of me having long term damage or problems due to chemo is low.  It could happen but I want to live and for me the risk was without a doubt worth it.

Teresa

I choose not to do chemo and so far (one year later) I am doing just fine.     You will find that the majority of people with triple negative do have chemo and it is very difficult to find support for this decision.     I feel like I am all alone so  anytime I read about a person not having chemo and coming out AOK, I copy it and read it whenever I feel down in the dumps.   Whatever your decision, go for it, accept it and  I wish you all the best and good luck. 

Hi tooandrea

I would assume that because we have it here in New Zealand that you guys in the States would have it, (Vitamin C IV), you will just need to find a clinic that offers it.

As for the rads, unfortunately I did have a reaction to the rads, although I only had 5 doses, I had an almost instant reaction, nausea, vomiting when I tried to eat, headaches and really tired alot of the time.

Im 38, I have one son that I breast feed until he was 8months old.  As you know I take a range of vitamins to help keep my body strong to fight this dam thing, I also try to eat fresh veges and fruit.  I would like to eat only organic food but it is quite expensive here so I get organic milk, butter and cereal.

I see my oncologist every three months and have a CT scan every 4 months, and Im sure that once this last one is shown to be clear that my check ups will go to every 6 months.

I dont think Ive ever had a PET scan, unless they call it something different here.  When I was first diagnosed with it in my spine, I had a range of X-rays, like, normal xrays, bone scan, mri and CT scan.

The idea of doing chemo freaked me out more than actually having it.  I am also TN and felt that my risks of reoccurrence were just to high to not have it.  I was so anxious but I do not regret having the chemo at all.  I had a really difficult time with chemo because I had allergic reactions to the drugs and had really low blood pressure, but it was treatable.  The hardest part was losing my hair and temporarily going into menopause.   I was able to do egg harvesting prior to starting chemo as I have not met Mr. Right yet and was in my late thirties.  The best part for me was knowing that I did everything I could possibly do to prevent this from coming back. I am about 7 months post and the only problem I still have is some joint pain but it is manageable.  It started about 1-2 months after and has seemed to moved around different joints.  I did not have radiation as I made the choice to have a mastectomy post chemo (I started with a lumpectomy). I have friends that had the same chemo as me without any problems at all.  Everyone is different.You have to do what you feel is best for you.  Gather as much information you can get and make an informed decision.  Have you thought about asking for an MRI? I was not able to get a PET scan either but my breast surgeon did order the MRI for me. I would encourage you to ask for a second opinion and ask for the oncologist to go through the  Adjuvant online with you to give your risk percentages, if you do and do not do chemo.  I found it was really helpful. My oncologist also talked about chemo as an insurance policy.  I am happy to answer anymore specific questions, just PM me anytime.