Anyone choose not to do chemo?

I don't think you will find many triple neg's who didn't do chemo, especially as young as you are.  I mean, just think, it worked the last time, right?

It's your choice, but I would urge you to do it.

Shannon

I had a 4.5 cm triple-negative tumor in 2005 followed by a 1.2 cm second primary (also triple negative) in my other breast in 2007. I had mastectomy both times, so no rads. Onc said I was "young," and insisted on chemo both times. (I turn 50 this summer.)

Chemo in 2005 was four rounds of AC (every other week), followed by four rounds of taxol. Chemo in 2007 was 12 weekly rounds of carboplatin and taxol. The weekly chemo was MUCH easier on me than my 2005 regimen, because each week's dose was less than what you'd get on an every-other-week schedule.

Even in 2005, I only threw up once. Had a lot of aches and pains and fatigue, but it was all manageable. I was terribly afraid of having to have chemo again, but you slog through. In fact, I think it actually was easier the second time because I was more familiar with it.

My onc gave me no options re skipping chemo. I think I went at it like, "Well, if I did it once, I can do it again."

--CindyMN

Stage 2 grade 3 lumpectomy, have chosen not to undergo any further medical treatment. now one month after lumpectomy. 

regia: What about a PICC line instead of a port? This is very commonly done in Canada; you have to be careful not to get the area wet, but other than that, it's not inconvenient. 

Alternatively, talk to another doc or chemo nurse about intravenous... it can and has been done, but probably requires a highly experienced hand. Or ask about alternative chemo (it's adriamyacin that's highly toxic).

Hi, this message is for Linda2907.  You said to list all the reasons you are not doing chemo would be boring.  Not to me I would love to know.  I am 48 and was diagnosed in April with Tnbc, stage 1A, clear margins , clear lymph nodes.  I had a lumpectomy and have done 4 rounds of AC due to do 4 rounds of Taxol.  Seriously considering stopping now because I did not have the courage at the beginning to do what you are doing....but I wanted to. 

Hi TeeDills2013, I think I have made my decision.  Just finished 4 rounds of AC am going to do the next 2 rounds of dd Taxol and that is it.  I am not doing the last 2.  I am also talking to my surgeon and want a bi-lateral mastectomy done.

Unfortunately, the chemo has taken such a toll on my body I have a lot of concerns about what side effects I will possibly live with forever.  I feel I have done my due diligence as a preventative measure by doing the six rounds instead of 8.

I want to get my body back healthy and strong.  Just wanted you to know you are not alone.  As I keep hearing....you know your body and you have to do what is best and feels right to you.

Good Luck TeeDills...had first round of taxol yesterday.  Spoke to my onc. and obviously she doesn't agree with my decision of 6 in total versus 8 but seems to understand.  She did tell me by doing at least the 1st 2 rounds of taxol I am getting really the most out of it.  Personally I think the last 2 are just to cover protocol.  Not everyone fits into the same box.

Interesting I just received an article from the cancer centers of America.  There is a big forum being held in Chicago end of this month to discuss more pinpoint and tailored treatments using genetics and dna testing.  The best part is that the reason they are doing this is because of the concern of the high levels of toxicity of chemo treatments being given which might not be always necessary especially in diagnosed early stage cancers.  Apparently the long term effects of these high dosages of chemo are beginning to be somewhat more concerning than the possibility of recurrence.  In Europe they take a much more wait and see and monitor closely approach using genetics and dna testing.

They can test your cancer against various chemos to see which work best. My cancer spread by bloodstream and I was stage iv from start. Chemo saved my life. I can build my strength back up but can't get my life back, if I die.

Yeah, I feel a need to jump in too. I respect that each woman can and should make her own choices, but the research/analyst junkie in me desperately wants those choices to be at least primarily evidence-based, especially when it comes to matters of life and death.

It's a fact that AC works wonders on some TN tumours, and not on others. It's a fact that Taxol has been highly effective for some TN tumours. This is why oncs, depending on the women's pathology (size of tumour, lymph node involvement, age etc.) like to throw both heavy guns at TN.

With concern and respect, grateful29, I don't know your situation, but it appears that your decision to go with 2 taxol instead of 4 appears a bit arbitrary, based on your reaction to AC. Many women (myself included) found that taxol was far easier on our bodies than AC. It may be the case for you too. I am wondering, what is the downside of waiting and seeing how your body responds.. and then deciding? You may conclude that two more treatments and four weeks (and risk of side effects) is a relatively small price to pay for, potentially, a long natural life-time to come. And however your treatment turns out, I wish you well.