Stage 2

Swanseagirl, this is do-able.  You have been through the hardest part which is the diagnosis and the surgery. You are just where I was a year ago.  I was terrified of chemo--said that I would rather be dead then have chemo.  Fortunately for me I found a wonderful oncologist (he was a second opinion doc) who inspired so much confidence.  I was still terrified of chemo but I just had to show up that day and go thru it.  A friend went with me.  Fortunately I wasn't terrified of rads--my best friend went thru rads about 10 years ago and it was doable for her.  I was also terrified of my first oncologist visit--i was so scared i couldn't ask any questions--just sitting through hearing what the onc had to say was enough for me.  I didn't feel comfortable with the first onc and so i got a second opinion and that's when I found a wonderful doc.

 You will find so much help and hope here on these boards.  Ask any and all questions you have.  And don't forget that your experience now is so helpful to other women who are just where you are.

Take care.

Lizzie 

PS  chemo was very doable as was rads. 

I had no family history either....my twin is cancer free to date.

How old are you?  Post meno gals with 1-3 nodes benefit from the oncotypeDX testing.

You may be able to avoid chemo.  You are a grade 1 and may score low and eliminate it all together.

Best to you!

let me also add that my chemo was done over 8 weeks-that was it--- so don't assume it will be prolonged.....

Swanseagirl--you should take the oncotype test, and if your score is low risk, which looks possible given your dx (ILC, Grade1, HER2-), most oncs will not insist on your doing chemo.  If yours does insist, consider getting a second opinion.

Some oncs are reluctant to give up the convenience of assuming that one positive node means that the patient has an aggressive tumor which requires aggressive treatment. The oncotype test allows one to assess the nature of the tumor more precisely and treat it accordingly.

Hi,  I wanted to let you know that it is indeed doable.   I was dx in Oct2009.  Had lumpectomy, chemo (cytox/taxotere x4) and then rads x30.  I worked as a nurse during most of the chemo.  I took off a day here or there- lucky with some flexability.   I have finally taken a couple of weeks off at the end of the rads because of skin issues. Can't wear a bra and I was getting pretty red.  This way I can heal up properly and got back to work without problems. 

The folks here give sound advice.    You will be able to figure out what works best for you. 

 There is  a huge amount of info to go thru and I know my own anxiety level made it hard to process at first.  Good luck,  you will get there. K

I understand where you are at right now. I am 40 and sitting in the same boat. I haven't reacted much to the diagnosis and been okay so far but today is decision day and it is all becoming more real.

 You can do this. Although I don't have positive SN, two close friends of mine have and went thru chemo, radiation and hormone therapy.  They both are fine and over 6 months cancer free.  It is a little rough going thru the chemo but one still managed to work.

You can do this!!! My attitude is "lets just hurry up and get it out and get treatment over with. I have better things to do with my life".  Look at the glass half full sweetie and stay positive

I am always here to talk if you like.  I am going to get my onco test results this morning and make the decision for chemo or no chemo.  I have no positive SN but still struggling with making the decision.