Has anyone decided against chemo?

I opted out of chemo, but would have done it in a minute if I had been Her2+.  My Oncotype score was 15 and most doctors recommended against chemo, but one really pushed for it since I was 48 and two tumors combined measured 2.6cm.  I trusted my docs, Oncotype, my gut feeling, and didn't do it.  If my Oncotype had been higher, or as I said if I were Her2+ as scary as it would be, I would have done chemo.

Jrlegal--I don't know what is "usual" but my Oncotype sample was sent out right after my BLM and it took about 3 weeks for it to return.  My BS ordered the test so my onc, who I hadn't yet met would have the results for our first meeting.

Best--KEW 

I don't think that how you feel physically is the best indicator as to the course of treatment.  My surgeon was very clear that if you wait to do something until you actually FEEL different physically, you are in a much more compromised position. Chemo is scary and the process isn't fun. But I just kept my eye on my goal, which was to eradicate this disease completely and live a long and healthy life. And now I am en route to doing so, and it feels WONDERFUL!

Good luck to all and I wish you the wisdom and courage to make the best decision for yourself.

Elaine - I want to commend you for taking the time/effort involved to answer and share your experience. I wish you only good things in 2010.

Ladies - please listen to what she says. She is qualified to address this in a very unique way and her words come with the insight borne by experience. We are privileged to have her input here.

Amy

My Oncotype score was 14 and I am ER+/PR+, HER2- with no node involvement.   I had a left masectomy followed by reconstruction.   It was a very difficult decision - 2 Onco. Dr.s disagreed with me, but my Breast surgeon, 2 RNs, and a Radiation Dr. felt I made the right decision.   I feel Onco Dr.s push chemo.   I believe in my Onctotype number for low reoccurance.

If this would have gone in my lymph nodes or I was HER+, I would have done Chemo.  You have to talk to many different people, read the discussion boards and be able to live with your decision.

I am taking Arimidex for 5 years along with Zometa infusions (clinical trial).   Good luck with your decision, you'll be relieved once you make your mind up either way.

Yes!  Diagnosed in September 09.  The lump in my L-breast was bx as a malignant tumor.  I put off surgery until the day prior to Thanksgiving.  I was not comfortable with my surgeon so I waited for a 2nd opinion.  Surgery was a lumpectomy w/removal of all lymph nodes.  Out of the 16, five were malignant.  Doc told me I would need chemo (two drugs) by-weekly for months and then Taxol weekly for twelve weeks; followed by radiation & horomone tx.  I had all sorts of tests, brain scan; CT's; bone scans, blood work the gauntlet.  A PET scan was ordered by I cancelled it for financial reasons.  My first treatment was a disaster.  I felt so horrible I cancelled all the rest of the scheduled chemo treatments.  I didb't return to the oncologist until 1/27.  Actually I just went back out of respect and to have him sign off.  He convinced me to give it another try.  This time, Taxol for 12-weeks.  Day-1 post treatment went well but I have been downhill ever since.  I'm experiencing constant stabbing pain in different areas of my body.  I'm unable to sleep and again feel like qutting.  Its so hard for me to believe people actually commit to this poison.  Frankly that is how I now view it.  Is not getting treatment (that 50/50 plan) I'm told I fall into "statistics" or do these docs actually have insight of God's plan.

thanks for your response.  I see my oncologist today and follow with chemo.  I requested a nerve med, so as not to scare the nurses and a cream to use to numb my hand where they will stick.  Declined the mediport!  Will ask him today for something for pain, also something to help me sleep.  Not getting sleep makes me a bear.  I'm trying to hang in there.