Choice of chemotherapy or radiotherapy

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
28 subscribers
699 views

I had surgery to remove breast cancer and consultant advise they removed all cancer and none was found in lymph nodes.

I was referred to oncologist as I have her2 positive cancer grade3.

Herceptin was discussed as this the recommended treatment for her2positve cancer but can only be given alongside chemotherapy.

Due to the coronavirus and that my carcinoma was small they gave me the choice of herceptin or radiotherapy.

I chose radiotherapy but I am now thinking I should've taken the herceptin with the chemo as the chances of recurrence are reduced.

Has anyone else had to make this decision??

Thehighlander over 5 years ago

Hi and welcome to the Online community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis - this must have been a big shock to you.

A cancer diagnosis can indeed bring a lot of confusion and many questions but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot so can I highlight our very supportive Breast cancer Group.

Posting in this group will open up your concerns to a wider group of people who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.

Follow the link I've created, join the group then introduce yourself to the group and post questions after selecting 'start a discussion' and you can also join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

You may want to put some information in your profile as this can help a lot. Click here to see how to add details as this helps everyone to see a little about you and how best to reply to you.

All the very best.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

FormerMember over 5 years ago

Wanted to join Mike Thehighlander in giving you a warm welcome to the club no one expected to join :-/

Do join the breast group Mike has placed the link to, it's a very active and friendly place to be at a tough time.

J my better half had HER2+ positive BC and accepted the recommendation of chemo and herceptin post surgery for two main reasons. Of the various types of BC to get HER2+ is one that has a higher recurrence rate. Herceptin and the newer Perjeta is a game changer for what was considered one of the 'nastier' types of bc to get.

Although the surgery has removed the tumour they can never be certain to have got every single cell and chemo with herceptin is a systemic (whole body) therapy to find, seek and destroy the straggler cells if any did escape.

Know the thought of facing chemo is a scary scenario but you would never forgive yourself if this came back within a few years especially if this was found elsewhere in the body (secondary bc)

We are now living the new normal post treatment and all is good - J was diagnosed 8 years ago and had everything thrown at it. We are so grateful for the time we have had since and the future we are looking forward to.

No trying to shock you into going the chemo route, just trying to make sure you have some facts to help you make that decision.

Hope this is of some help, and look forward to seeing you in the breast group.

G n' J