Hi Everyone
Anyone with breast cancer out there had been told that they probably don't need chemo? My oncologist yesterday said go for Tamoxifen and radiotherapy but chemo was probably overkill. I'd mentally prepared myself for having 'the works'. My cancer is grade 2, my lymph nodes are clear, the lump was 15 mm and is oestrogen sensitive.
He said if I want to have it they will support me but it only has a 4% chance of doing anything for me. It may also make me infertile, I'm philosophical about that but am 39 and just before my diagnosis had been planning a baby. Don't want to protect my fertility then leave a baby without a mum though! Oh the choices you have to make with the big C!
Any thoughts welcome!
Ruth
All cases are unique and treatment depends on so many factors like: age, pre or post-menopausal, whether the cancer is oestrogen positive or not, the size, the location etc., etc. I am post-menopausal and in January 08 I had a lumpectomy and 18 lymph nodes removed (all clear) and further surgery a month later to remove more breast tissue which was cancerous. Surgery was followed by radiotherapy and so far so good. An acquaintance with a similar diagnosis had the full monty (same surgeon!). I suppose what I'm trying to say is - trust the doctors advice because they know more about your case.
Hi this is my first go at chatting,I'm new. I'm same cancer prognosis as you but 50 years old. I had breast saving surgery this May (partial masectomy) then radiotherapy. I live in Italy and it was 40% in the summer which took me to the endurance limit. I have Tamoxifen (with some side effects) and now I have been told to have goserfarin (an injection to stop hormone production) which I begin soon as I'm pre menopausal they think. (await blood test) This is all preventitive luckily my limph nodes were clear. Emotionally it's a really tough trip for you as you are really young. Having got this far if I can help in anyway let me know.Big hug (abracio)
I was diagnosed last April and after radiation therapy in the last five weeks of 2008 I had cording with pain and my hand has started swelling. Any advice to halt this?
You do not say whether or not you have had surgery? I would contact your doctor and ask for referral to a physiotherapist who could reccomend exercises to help relieve the symptoms.
