No chemotherapy, should I be concerned?

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  • thenewme
    thenewme Member Posts: 1,611
    edited July 2011

    ...and I didn't even address the OP - sorry! 

    DebbieEW,

    As someone else mentioned, please see the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation at www.tnbcfoundation.org,  and specifically their helpful downloadable brochure on TNBC.  You can find the download at http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcguide.htm.

    As you see, the treatment for TNBC quite often or nearly always includes the recommendation for chemotherapy.  Nobody takes chemo/rads lightly, and everyone should definitely understand the risks and benefits of all treatment options, so get as much reliable information as you can and make the best decision you can with the information available and then move forward.  Stick around here and ask any questions you have - somebody here has likely experienced most anything you can think of.  

    Absolute best wishes, no matter what your choices!  

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  • Lynn18
    Lynn18 Member Posts: 416
    edited July 2011

    I really like the tnbc foundation website.  I also recommend the thread called "Calling all TN".  There are a lot of us there sharing our experience with this disease.

    From what I've learned about TN, even the smallest tumors can be very aggressive.  This is why most TN's do chemo.  I would recommend getting a second opinion if your MO is not recommending chemo.

    bsbroth and luvmywife:  Thanks for posting your experiences.  I hate that this disease takes so many women from their families.   

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  • Marni
    Marni Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2011

    I am just wrestling with the treatment I should have. I have had surgery ofcourse, and also booked in for Radiology, but am now thinking I should have chemo as well, my oncologist has recommeded it, but said it is my choice. I have heard so many negatives about chemo therapy and how that can be more destructive, I have been told I will be given Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide.

    No cancer at this stage has been found anywhere else in my body. How has everyone found the chemo to be, any long lasting effects? I should get some adjuvant treatment started soon!!! Oh and I live in Australia and am of British descent.

    would love to hear some other people experiences

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    Hi everyone! I've been away but not far from the discussion board. Thank you for the valuable advise, support and links to websites. After consideration, I am comfortable bypassing chemotherapy. I have a very small tumor and from what I've read, size matters as well as good margins. My quality of life is of great concern and I was fearful of chemotherapy side effects and long term problems. My doc was very good in explaining pros and cons, providing me recent research articles and connecting me with local support groups. I have no complaints or concerns with care.



    I finished radiation one month ago and I am healing very well. I'm going to be 53 next month, I have a great husband, two happy and successful adult children and I an ready to move on although I'll be receiving regular checkups on my health and cancer status.







    I'll be back to the discussion boards to see how things are going. Thank you again!

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  • Marni
    Marni Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone ,well after much soul searching I have decided to take the chemo, I have had my frist dose of TC (Taxotere/Cycophosphamide) on Tuesday, the first night at home I wouldn't like to go through again, but the next day I started to feel better and today is improving too.

     Now I am just waiting for the hair to go, that will be most discouraging I think, but have started to look for wigs online (any suggestions of good sites?)

    I should be finished the chemo on 19th October, and then I will have the rads too, so by Xmas I should be feeling like my old (normalLaughing ) self again, just a tad balder!)

    Good luck to you all and I'll pop back and see how everyone is going soon.

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited August 2011

    Good luck Marni!    How many TC's do you have?  Yeah..losing the hair is pretty bad...It's really the only outward sign that you are a cancer patient...plus it is just freaky to lose your hair.. I know that it really it is the least of things when it comes to BC but it does mean alot to us...

    My advice to you is to get a fun wig...when your hair starts coming back you will be soo excited...I remember my "wig" lady said that is was for only a short time..I really didn't believe her but really it is for only a short time

    You can do this.

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  • Marni
    Marni Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2011

    Thanks Titan, I have now just finished my 3rd cyle of Chemo, and am bald :( This has been the longest few months of my life, just waiting for the side effects to pass only to start all over again just when you are feeling better, but only one more to go now and then the radiotherapy, which hopefully will be a breeze after chemo. I don't think I've been a good patient, I have hated very minute of it! but better then the alternative!

    Its seems to be a matter of just gritting your teeth and getting through it with the "this too will pass" philosophy upper most in your mind.

    Hope everyone else is doing well out there, and let's hope the medicos/scientists find a better treatment than chemo for cancer Really really soon :)

    Best of luck Marni

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited October 2011

    Hi Marnie!...being baldy is pretty freaky isn't it?  I remember looking in the mirror and thinking OMG!...but now I have hair and can hardly remember being bald..and you will to...

    So you are DONE in 10 days..yippee..my thoughts and warmest wishes go out to you...you will be glad you did the chemo in the long run....you will know that you did everything you could and now can go on..grow hair. become "normal' again..it will happen..seriously..

    Oh yeah..agree with you on the better treatment than chemo...it does seem so archaic doesn't it?..with the nurses dressed in their  gear,,and you are thinking this is going into my body???

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