Sunday, June 06, 2010 Harriet asks

Q: Had Chemo for NH Lymhoma 8 years ago. Now have Breast cancer decision about chemo

8 years ago I was treated for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with 6 rounds of CHOP + Rituxan chemotherapy. I have recovered, but in the last 6 months I was diagnosed with invasive Breast Cancer. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction 1 month ago, and the results came back Node Negative, ER-Positive. I was classified as Stage 1. The Oncotype Dx assay test came back with a Breast Cancer Recurrence score of 20... the low end of the intermediate risk group. I do not have the BRCA 1 or 2 gene. Having already gone thru a chemo for the lymphoma I am hesitant to go through it again for this breast cancer. I will of course take an Estrogen Blocking medication. But whether or not to have chemo is entirely up to me. I am hesitant to go thru this chemo as it only increases my chance of recurrence from 11.5% to 8%.

I am 63 years old and in good physical health now. I have no children, and there is a history of breast cancer on my mother's side of the family. My mom got it when she was in her late 60's had a lumpectomy, and no other treatment ( and she lived until 95!) My female 1st cousin on mom's side developed breast cancer at 31 and has had everything: mastectomy, radiation and chemo. she is fine now, and we are the same age.

any suggestions? Has anyone any information about the long lasting effects of two different kids of chemo on the body?

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Answers (2)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

6/ 6/10 6:22pm

Harriet, sounds like you've gotten all your ducks in a row, and have a good understanding of your situation. I'm not aware of studies involving people who've had chemo for two different types of cancer, though they probably exist; you might ask your doctor about this.

The question is, since you already know what chemo is like, and its possible long-lasting side effects - do you really want to put yourself through that again, for the extra 3% reduction in risk of recurrence? Please read our post on choosing chemo; I think you'll find it interesting. I'm not a doctor, and have no medical training, so this is strictly a personal observation. But faced with your diagnosis, I'd go without chemo and take my chances with that extra 3%. Hope this helps - PJH

Harriet

6/ 6/10 6:46pm

thank you for your input. I read all the posts you referred to and I have found them very informative I shall make my decision this week. I am seeing my plastic surgeon and breast surgeon tomorrow and want to discuss it with them, too. My gut tells me to fix up my reconstructed breasts and move on with my life. To get past the discomfort I am having with the implants and get healthy and active once again. thanks for all the support

Harriet

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

6/ 6/10 8:18pm

Best of luck to you, Harriet. And please check back here if we can be of any help. PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

6/ 6/10 7:38pm

Harriet, chemo for a fairly small decrease in recurrence rates seems like it might not be worth the potential problems of the chemo. It sounds like you are doing a great job of considering all the factors. One thing to keep in mind is that management of chemo side effects today is better than it was 8 years ago, so be sure to ask whether the chemo your doctor is considering for you would be easier than what you went through before. One of the hardest parts about these kind of decisions is that you have to make them without knowing whether you would be the one with the bad side effects or the small percentage who does recur. Once you make your decision, don't second guess yourself. You will have made the best decision possible with the data you have. Congratulations on surviving lymphoma and best wishes for a similar outcome this time.

Q: Had Chemo for NH Lymhoma 8 years ago. Now have Breast cancer decision about chemo

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