I have er positive, her 2 neg tumor. Initial biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with mucinuous features with a total weight of 1.5gms. Lumpectomy revealed leftover tumor of 1.7cm in widest diameter invasive papillary carcinoma with mucinuous features. All 31 lymph nodes are negative. Do i require chemotherapy or can i just take hormonal therapy (tamoxifen)? No Oncotype DX available here in our country.
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Q: Do I need chemotherapy or can i have hormonal therapy instead?
Answers (1)
10/ 9/09 10:04pm
Have you asked your oncologist or doctor what you should do? Sounds like you're on the borderline for chemo. I'd think you'd at least want surgery to remove the remains of the tumor. Then, if you didn't have a mastectomy, radiation. Then hormone therapy drugs (tamoxifen if you're pre-menopausal; an aromatase inhibitor, if you're post-), if not chemo. Of course, it's up to you what you choose to do...Good luck - PJH
10/13/09 10:13am
Anything is OK - it's your body, and you're in charge. Will you have a smaller chance of recurrence if you complete the entire course of chemo? Yes, statistically speaking. Is it worth it, when the reduction in risk might be tiny? Only you can make that call.
Cancer treatment is difficult, and it's ALWAYS a matter of balancing benefit and side effects. You might want to ask your doctor if s/he has any statistics showing the difference between 3 vs. 6 rounds of FAC, OK? That might help you make your decision. In the meantime, take it one day at a time. Some days will be more of a challenge than others, but you WILL get through this. Time heals, it really does. Good luck - PJH
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By AA— Last Modified: 12/08/10, First Published: 10/09/09
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My oncologist recommended 6 cycles of FAC every 3 weeks. I've already had 3 cycles. I want to stop at 4 cycles. Is it ok to stop given my prognosis. i'm really depressed with my situation right now. i don't want any more chemo in by system.