Why would I need Chemo?
I am 68 years old and was diagnosed with 2 lumps in my right breast. I had a mastectomy in which my surgeon said the tumors were completely removed. Two lymph nodes were also removed and the results were negative. My left breast was also removed, and I am undergoing breast reconstruction.
Using a computer database, an oncologist has told me that chemo treatment would improve my mortality rate over 10 years by 4 percent (from 86% to 90%). I am trying to decide if this would be worth the other risks involved.
I am having trouble with this decision and would appreciate any further information you can supply.
Hi Susie - Frankly, having had chemo and knowing what it can do to you—I'd give it a pass, if I had your DX. Was your cancer diagnosed as IDC, I assume? That's the only danger - is that it IS an invasive (rather than non-invasive) cancer, and there's a tiny chance it might have spread outside your breast and sopmehow bypassed the lymph nodes. I'd ask the doctor what specific "chemo cocktail" he recommends; then come back here and find the FAQS for that particular chemo (ACT, FEC, etc.). Read the potential side effects; that might help you make up your mind. The other thing to consider is, if you don't do chemo and DO have a recurrence, can you live with that emotionally? Or are you the type of person who'll beat yourself up about it. Lots to think about, huh? Still, my opinion, I'd forego chemo. I had it 8 years ago and am still feeling the effects... Good luck, Susie - PJH
- Thank you for your input
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