Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at the end of July. This came as a shock of course but I have tried to be positive and accept the situation. Since the diagnosis I have had a left breast mastectomy and 5 days of radiotherapy. While I thought this was as bad as it could get, I am now floundering over the next steps. My biopsies were all clear after surgery and no movement into the lymph nodes but I tested positive for oestrogen and protein receptors - a game changer.
I have had excellent care and feel now that I am like a walking text book on the pros and cons of various treatments and now think ignorance is bliss! The advice I have been given is to take Letrozole or Tamoxifen for 5 years. I was also advised to consider chemo but have rejected this at this stage. I have read and read about other women's experience of these drugs. At the moment I feel well and I am very fit for my age (72) playing badminton, golf, walking, gardening etc but it seems that in order to avoid cancer returning, I must accept a wide range of side effects that will seriously affect my quality of life. At this stage, I feel torn between taking the 'sensible' route ie the drug or preserving my life style and hoping the surgery/radiotherapy have done their job.
Has anyone else been in this position? Anyone decided not to proceed with the Letrozole/Tamoxifen? Any thoughts would be welcome.
Good luck and best wishes to you all
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Hi and welcome to the Online Community but I am so sorry to hear about your QoL v Treatment quandary but I do hope you'll find lots of comfort and support here on the Online Community.
Although my cancer type is completely different I had to make these decisions back in late 2013 but my choice was post treatment QoL v Living for for a few years. I am now 8 years past the decision point and doing great.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area. There are many cancer experiences so the Community has many dedicated support groups so can I recommend you start by joining our Breast cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to other people who might have a similar diagnosis or experience.
If you'd like to connect into this group, you need to join the group. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
