Chemo verses Rad.

stacyRuss · September 2009

Is there a place where I can go here to see the different choices I have for my treatment. I have heard some not do Chemo at all depending on what the tests tell them. So I am going to see someone soon about what options I have and wonder why some of you opted not to do Chemo. My SIL was stage 1 1cm IDC. SHe had Chemo and they told her she didnt have to have it. But she did it anyway.

Would be great to hear others opinions.

Thanks Stacy

idaho · September 2009

In my case chemo only upped my chances of no recurrence or a new cancer by 4%. I decided it was not worth it. Your oncologist can show you how much chemo will help you - there is a program on his computer for that. You can also get the oncotype test that will help you decide. Peace and health to you. Tami

stacyRuss · September 2009

Thanks

Tami

So what does 0/1 nodes mean for you?

Thanks Stacy

Morgan513 · September 2009

Stacey,

Many times it's not a rads vs. chemo question. Sometimes you will only have chemo or only have rads or both. I chose a lumpectomy which meant radiation and I also had chemo. I'm triple negative so chemo is almost always the treatment. Because I had no positive nodes, if I had chosen a mastectomy, I would have not have had radiation. It's a bit of a complicated puzzle because everyone's diagnosis is so different.

I hope I helped a little,

Lorrie

dlb823 · September 2009

Stacy ~ There's a thread here called Oncotype-DX Rollcall where many women have reported their Oncotype score and given their decision about chemo. You can search for it using the Search box above.

Also, chemo and rads do 2 very different things. Chemo will hopefully chase down and kill any bc cells that may have escaped into your bloodstream. Rads, on the other hand, basically sanitizes the immediate breast area where your bc was, so that any cells possibly left behind cannot regrow in that area. It's rarely (if ever) an either/or decision, but more a question first of will you need chemo; and then will you need rads. Deanna

LRM216 · September 2009

If you are triple negative, you will want to hit it as agressive as you can, as that is all we have. If you are hormone receptive, you will have many more options that your onc will discuss with you. Good luck.

Linda

Chemo verses Rad.

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