Hi, I have recently had an operation for breast cancer -lumpectomy and lymph node removal. I’m am currently cancer free but recommended next treatment involves chemotherapy. My cancer was small but aggressive and HER2 responsive. The predict tool suggests 89% survival (next 10 years ) with hormone therapy and 91% with chemo and trastuzumab. I’m borderline so totally my choice. I’m very scared about chemo and all the side effects. Is it worth having for the 2% increase in ‘survival’? How reliable are the predict tools? Anyone else had to make this choice? I have to decide by next Thursday. I’m 59 years old, separated with 3 grown up children and live alone. Worried about coping with chemo if I decide to have it and the emotional roller coaster and possible side effects it may entail. Any advice very welcome. Thanks
Hi Furry Cherry and a welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
This is such a stressful and challenging time for you, but when it comes to getting support and asking questions there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer and treatment journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Breast cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) Group Link I have created above. Once the group page opens 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 or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
Thank you 
