CMF vs. TC

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susieb228
susieb228 Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hello everyone-

Just joined the site today.

In 2007 I had a 1.9 cm tumor removed - followed by radiation and tamoxifen. In August 2009, had a recurrence (4 mm in same breast - they think it was "left over" from 2007 and in a spot that did not get blood hence tamoxifen.) In any event, I had a double mastectomy in September (and then developed an infection which landed me back in hopsital!) Oncotype in '07 was 17 - now it is a 27. Docs here in northern Vs. recommending TC x4. Went to Sloan Kettering last week - Dr. Seidman doesn't think chemo is necessary - thinks that I can have ovaries removed and then go on an AI. He said that if I did want to do chemo - he would recommend CMF over TC - since it is less toxic. My nodes were negative and pet scan was clear. Just met with my radiation oncologist - who agrees with Sloan's recomendation. My head is spinning right now - any advice?

Thanks so much for listening! :) 

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  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,223
    edited November 2009

    Susie,  Nobody can tell you what to do but I can tell you that I did the CMF and it was very doable and is less toxic.  In my case, I chose the CMF chemo over no chemo because I wanted to hit it with everything I could at first.  It is such a hard decision to make and you will make the right decision for you!  If you're curious about the CMF regiment, go to the CMF Question thread and browse through it.  Age may be a factor here too.  Since they are suggesting tamoxifen, I am guessing that you are premenopausal and fairly young.  You then would have lots of years of life ahead of you. Perhaps that is why the docs in northern Va were recommending chemo.  They were trying to treat it more aggessively. 

    I wish you luck with your decision and luck with your treatment plan.  Once the decision is made, the rest will be easier!  Hugs to you!

    Rita

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  • susieb228
    susieb228 Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2009

    Thanks Rita. Still have one more specialist to meet with - and then it is decision time. Right now I am leaning towards the recommendation given by the breast specialist at Sloan (ovarian removal and AI). I think one of the biggest factors is that this doctor is a breast specialist - my docs down here are oncologist - not specialists in BC. Also, I liked the hope and optimism of the doctor at Slaon - and to me that is very important.

    Tahnks again for replying - I'll keep you posted!

    :)

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