Chemo scares me more than the disease

Anew, I never questioned my treatment, was too scared & truly clueless. I had an enormous mass in my axillary with extranodal extension. I wanted them to be as aggressive as humanly possible.

Two months ago I had major shoulder surgery. I had to get a echocardiogram before, to see if there was damage from A/C. The ultrasound tech told me, that the odds are so slim, not near what the Drs. used to believe. She said, getting these tests used to be routine with Cancer patients. They found it not really necessary, unless of course you were having symptoms. My personal Dr. that ordered the test, told me she "knew" it was highly unlikely, but a long surgery, with general anesthia, better to be safe.

I completely understand not wanting to do chemo. Age can be a factor, whether or not you have lymph node involvement. I have 2 friends, both had ductal, no lymph nodes involved. One chose chemo, one did not. Both are very healthy now, living life, enjoying there grand kiddos & being very active.

Some ladies get chemo, no A/C. I have heard some treatment plans called "chemo-lite". Only 4 infusions.

If you decide to go with your Dr. suggestion, you will get thru the treatments. They give you meds to help with the crappy side effects. It is not easy, not for me anyway. But, like a bad flu, or numerous other diseases, we manage to survive the nightmare. My goal during chemo was to concentrate on today, what I needed to do to eat something healthy, rest & hydrate. Talk to your oncologist, give yourself time to feel confident about your decision. No one thinks this is easy. ( if they do, they are clueless ).

How long ago was your DH in this trial? Things have progressed, and continue to improve as far as treatment goes. Chemo killed my dad in the early 90s. That wouldn't happen today. Are there permanent se's from A/C? Suppose there is, but aspirin and Tylenol do too.

Personally I wanted to throw the book at this. You must be comfortable with your decisions.

Best wishes.

I did AC.....I was scared to death to and wanted to run away and hide (the only problem being that I would have to take my body with me-ha!). It wasn't fun but not at all as bad as I thought it would be. I took my anti-nausea drugs faithfully and just felt like I had a minor case of the flu the whole time. Food tasted weird but I could eat. I lost my hair but got a real cute wig so nobody knew I was sick unless I told them (and my 'hair' always looked perfect!). I did everything I had to do and most of the things I wanted to do too. I didn't have any long term negative side effects and now it is far enough in the past that I can look back at it and be glad I did it (kind of like childbirth). Don't let fear drive your decisions. Think of the long term; where you should have many more good, interesting years ahead! The making decisions, putting a plan in place is THE hardest part.....after that you just do what you need to do and get it over with. Best of luck!

AJ, I am 65, and halfway through DD AC+T. My side effects have been minimal, so far, and as Meow13 said, the MO's load you up with meds (which work great). I chose that chemo regime because I wanted the best available drugs to give myself peace of mind in my later years.

After AC#3, I was sure I had heart damage (short of breath while doing nothing). MUGA showed my heart was fine, and I proceeded with chemo. Maybe it was just chemo fatigue, maybe it was fear setting in, but once I was tested, the symptoms stopped.

The decision is your, of course. But reading your dx I see this is your second cancer in four years, and you have four positive nodes. I highly suggest you go with the plan your MO has laid out for you. You are only 68 and have many good years ahead...so why not fight hard for those extra and very special years.

I am so sorry to read of the loss of your DH. Cancer is cruel and unexplainable. I am sure his death weighs heavy on your decision. Some get the easy way out within months, some suffer the cruelty that cancer can bring for years. I have seen both and hope I get hit by a bus rather than suffer the years of pain I have seen others go through.

Please do chemo, it is doable. Ladies our age are experienced fighters and quite frankly, we don't have the extra burden of young children to raise or demanding jobs, or premenopausal hormones to deal with. And we have Medicare!

Join the Starting Chemo in April group. The support you will find there will help you tremendously with a place to rant, cry and share without judgment. These ladies and a few good men, will be there for you 24/7 with broad shoulders, many good tips, and they will also reach out for your support when their going gets rough.

Whatever you decide, be at peace with it and know that you are choosing what you are most comfortable with. We are here to share and comfort you through whatever path you take on this journey.

Hi

I just want to reassure you-- I did four rounds of A/C-- had a strong heart going in--no troubles since--my onco type was 26 or 27 so I decided to do what they recommended. Like Ruth, felt slightly "off" but was able to work most of the time-- got a great wig--it was over in 8 weeks (I did not have to have more chemo).... I think Ruth is right-- don't make a decision from fear---- use the data that they have to help you..... I can tell you that I have never lost a minute's sleep over "what if I had..." because I did the chemo, radiation and hormonal therapy.... so that was all I could do at the time--they told me "you are young, you can do this now-- and I think they were right--- I have never regretted it--but this is your decision---- it is scary, but honestly, the thought of it is more scary than the doing it.

my best friend was dx a couple of years after me-- more aggressive-- she had a longer regimen of chemo--she showed up and used the time at chemo to work and that year she was the #1 salesperson in her company--- I loved that she just decided to make it part of her life and keep going (I was way lazier--I just ate and did crossword puzzles). But, it is a good example of how we think influences our experience...

good luck

I don't think chemo is ever a picnic. It was hard on me, I lost 34 pounds. But that's me. Others have far less SE. My heart is fine. I had 4 rounds of A/C. Taxotere was a whole other experience , but again, that's me.

Spookie sends nose licks and woofs.

I had the same treatment and it sucked.....but Im here doing great !! You need to have a doctor you trust that will keep a good eye on your entire body !!! Mine sent me for scans and heart test through out treatment for me as much as for him I think. I needed to know it was working and my body was recovering !!! Hand tough and hugs to you !!

They can only do an oncotype if you are estrogen positive.

It is an individual choice, but for me, cancer is the enemy; chemo is my ally and friend. It is a finite amount of time and it is done. I am on my second go round with BC. I did chemo last time and am doign a stronger regimen this time. Both times the side effects were very tolerable.

I'm 62. Dr decided to do TC rather than AC because of heart history in family. Just finished my last round of chemo 5 min ago. Doing the Happy Dance! I was scared out of my mind but while no picnic not so bad

WooooHooooo HAPPY DANCE WITH YOU!!!!!!