Chemo or Not Please help

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kody22
kody22 Member Posts: 25
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Sept 1, 2010, I had a mastectomy.  The lymph glands were clear.  I am Canadian so it may be different than in the States.  I had two lesions, one 1.2 cm and one 2.1 cm.  The onc has recommended chemo followed by hormonotherapy.  Apparently he indicated that they do not recommend chemo if the lesions are under l cm.  After hearing the percentages of people not taking chemo as apposed to taking chemo, it was determined that there is not much of a difference.  I have two weeks to make a decision as to whether to take chemo or not.  I am not sure what to do as there is no guarantees that the cancer will not come back if I have chemo or if not.  Curious to know of people in same situation and tx they opted for.  I worried that if I don't take chemo and cancer comes back I will kick myself, but do I really want to go through chemo if I don't have to.  Please help.

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited October 2010

    I didn't do chemo based on Oncotype number. My tumors were over 1 cm. What is your Oncotype no?

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  • She
    She Member Posts: 503
    edited October 2010

    Hi Kody, in Canada chemo is standard for lesions 2cm and larger.  You need to base your decision on more info than just tumor size, the stage and grade of your BC also helps to determine if chemo is recommended.  The "percentages of people not taking chemo" shouldn't factor into your decision.  Have you had the OncotypeDx test?  There is a TailorX trial in Canada that will pay for it.

    Here's some of the info you need to consider to make an informed decision on what treatment is right for you:

    Type: i.e. IDC (interductal) ILC (lobular) DCIS (ductal in situ)

    Stage: I, II, III or IV (Stages I through III also come with an A,B, or C)

    Grade: 1 through 3

    Nodes: Yours are clear (this is great news!)

    Hormonal Status: ER / PR / HER (can all be + or -)

    All the best, She

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited October 2010

    I would recoment the oncotype test as well. I'm in the US so I know things are a bit different. In my case it was felt I wouldn't need chemo, but when the oncotype test came back with a 24 that all changed.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    You might try checking out cancermath.net

    Has your oncologist given you any statistical information, etc. supporting why chemo (and hormone therapy) is the recommended course of action? I know my oncologist did.

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  • connierf
    connierf Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2013

    Hi Kody,

    It's an agonizing decision, isn't it?  I was first rec'd to receive chemo, but my second opinion from Dana Farber was that, with my oncotype dx.,  chemo would not add to my survival expectations.

    My next decision is whether to go ahead and have further lymph node surgery after 1 node tested positive for micromets.  Again, first and second opinions differed.  Anyone else have this experience?  I'd love to hear from you.

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