Radiation or Chemotherapy. Help!

Barred Owl - I've said this before but I'll repeat - you give some of the most comprehensive, well researched information on this board, particularly from a lay person. You have a knack for clarifying the ambiguities BD decision-making and you have probably helped many more BCO members than you will ever know. Invariably, I've reached the same conclusions as you on many topics but would not been nearly as concise and thorough at posting as you. Thank you so much for your contribution.

rrgoods,

I was first diagnosed on March 9th. Had my lumpectomy and 3 nodes removed on April 1st. 2 of the 3 nodes had microscopic cancer cells in them. I am Stage IIA. I saw a radiation oncologist just before my surgery and a medical oncologist about a month after my surgery. My case was also presented at a "tumor board." All doctors present recommended taking more margin around my tumor removal spot and taking additional lymph nodes. They all unanimously recommended chemo therapy followed by radiation and hormonal therapy.

The first oncologist I saw, I asked about CT scan/bone scan which he felt was a good idea. I also asked for an oncotype test, which he said wasn't necessary. He wanted to get me in right away for a port and begin chemo immediately. However, I made the decision to not agree to chemo until I had all the tests to give me a complete picture. I decided to get a second opinion. There was something about this doctor that just didn't sit well with me. I saw the second oncologist a few weeks ago and absolutely love her! She is so in tune with my desire to do the least invasive treatment to my body, which I truly appreciate. She ordered the bone scan & CT scan as well as the oncotype test. Now, I will tell you, I have been praying, trusting God for healing in my body, and have had people all over the world praying for me. I did NOT want to put my body through chemo and this was my specific prayer. My bone scan came back perfectly normal. My CT scan showed no further cancer. My oncotype score came back at 14. My oncologist is no longer recommending Chemo. I am so happy!!! She also did not recommend removing more nodes or going back in for more margins. She felt these were not necessary.

I have an appointment on Friday to see my oncologist to discuss the next step. I am certain it will be for radiation, which I am willing to do if it will help me. I am unsure, at this time, if I will do the hormonal therapy though.

I am about 50 lbs overweight and obesity is a leading risk factor for many illnesses, including cancer. After radiation, it is my desire to get my body in line the natural way through weight loss, better food choices, exercise, etc... I have already stopped smoking, which will also help me tremendously. My body should respond very positively to these lifestyle changes.

I said all that to say this... trust your gut instinct. Ask many questions. Doctors seem all to quick to start people on chemotherapy. Get the proper testing so you have the full picture. And trust God. He made your body so he knows how to fix it!