For or against chemotherapy

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valiossifova
valiossifova Member Posts: 14
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi, I'm 58 years old, just diagnosed with stage I breast CA. I had the lumpectomy which showed it was 1.1 cm, ER+, PR+, HER2-, no node involvement. My oncotype score came back as 13%. My one doctor advised me to go for chemotherapy, while the other said I would not have benefit from it. Is there anyone with similar experience? Thanks

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  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited October 2009

    Valiossifova -

    You have posted on Her2 positive forum, but from your diagnosis line, it appears as if you are Her2 negative.  Chemo is almost automatic for tumors 0.5 cm or larger for Her2+, but definitely not clear for Her2 negative tumors.

    I suggest reposting your question on the IDC forum - you will get advice that is more relevant to your situation there.

    Good Luck

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  • karyan57
    karyan57 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2009

    I have the same question.  I was told the recipe for me is TCH.  What does that mean?  Why chemo for stage 1?

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited October 2009

    Karyan57, you are HER2+ which means you have a more aggressive form of cancer.  Standard of care for you is going to be chemo and herceptin, even though you are only stage 1. TCH is the combination oof chemo drugs recommended for you.

    The OP though, I'm not sure why it's being recommended for her.  With lumpectomy they might want to radiate but I'm not sure chemo is always necessary in that case.

    Discuss these questions with your doctors and get a second opinion if necessary.

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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited October 2009

    Karyan57, 

    TCH is taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin.  Her2+ is aggressive and that is a very strong combo that has good results.  I think some doctors chose this combo based on pathology & grade -  They want a preemptive strike.  I had clear nodes but I am not sure if they use that in determining treatment?  Best to you!!  lisa    

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  • karyan57
    karyan57 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2009

    Is this treatment doable?  I have 3 kids ages 8,11, and 13.  I also perform as a violinist and hold a teaching position at a college.  Do I need to clean my plate somewhat?  Hair loss and fatigue seem to be common side affects.  

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  • karyan57
    karyan57 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2009

    Where are you at in your treatment?  What side affects are you experiencing?  How are you handling them?

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  • karyan57
    karyan57 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2009

    Thanks for your response.  How are you doing?  Where are you in your treatment?  What side affects are you experiencing?

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  • AnneN
    AnneN Member Posts: 241
    edited October 2009

    Kathy,

    I see you are in Illinois - I know you are a few hours from Chicago, but it might be worth the distance to you...

    There is an integrative cancer center in Evanston founded by Dr. Keith Block that uses a personalized program of diet, exercise, and other therapies to reduce the side effects of chemo and make chemo work better. One of the things he uses is "chronotherapy" - timing the chemo dosages to minimize side effects. He has a book out called "Life Over Cancer" and a website, lifeovercancer.com. I found out about it on this discussion board - these women are so wonderful!

    I am not on chemo yet because so far, hormonals are working for me. But if and when I get to the stage where I have to switch to chemo, I will definitely be making a trip to Evanston! The other thing I will look into at that point is using a cold cap to reduce or prevent hair loss.

    I have three young kids myself, ages 12, 8, and almost 6, so I know what you mean about "is this doable"?

    I hope you find the treatment strategy that's best for you and your family and keeps you around to see your grandbabies someday.

    Anne 

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  • Warrior517
    Warrior517 Member Posts: 355
    edited November 2009

    It is doable...I was diagnosed last year at age of 39. I had the dbl mx w/reconstruction. I had 6 rounds of TCH and rads (in lymph nodes) and a year of herceptin. It truly is doable. You just need to slow down and make sure you listen to your body. I have three kids. At that time, they were 6,9 and 13. My youngest just never wanted to see me bald so I wore scarfs/wigs etc whenever he was around . Please feel free to PM with any questions!! Others helped me and its my time to pay it fwd! You can do this!!

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