Chemotherapy or complete node removal

Oh goodness Penyfan, I am so sorry you find yourself in this position. If it were me, I would basically make a list of the pros and cons (short term and long term) and discuss these with my surgeon and also with the oncologist. I had some options about my surgery and I asked the opinion of both the surgeon and oncologist and basically what they would do and this helped me to decide.

As you will read from the many stories on here, people have different responses to chemo but the majority do manage through pretty ok. It's so difficult to say what one's individual reaction will be.

Best of luck in reaching a decision that works for you x

Choices are always personal, but if it were me, I would opt to go straight to chemo. The risk of lymphoedema after node clearance is relatively high and the risk is lifelong. I'm very outdoorsy, so forever cutting and grazing my hands and arms, that is a risk I wouldn't be happy with if I knew I didn't need it.

If you are already numb, then there is a real risk of nerve damage too, from what the surgeon has said. I only had 3 nodes removed and I am still a little bit stiff on that side 8 months on, and I was really good at doing my exercises.

Plus, as you have said, you may need chemo anyway.

I had chemo before surgery and it is tough but very doable. It feels like forever, but you are soon out the other side and recovering. I do feel like I am still recovering, 10 months on, but I just need to pace myself a bit - and I'm pretty active so it's not like I'm sitting around. I had EC then docetaxel and I found EC not too bad but docetaxel fairly rough. But I got through it and have recovered well.

The hormone therapy has had bigger long term affects on my body - early menopause and all that it entails! 

Thank you so much for your prompt response. I realise that I need ontology input to be able to make better informed decision. Xx

Thank you too for your prompt response and sharing your practical and actual experience. This has helped me get a clearer perspective. I need to be arranging a discussion about what the chemotherapy  would be as I am thinking this is the option for me. Lymphoedema can appear at any time days, weeks, years ahead. There is the risk of cellulitis and I have witnessed this in people. This is my first post and I am so glad I plucked up the courage to ask.

Thank you 

Hi 

Everyone is very supportive here, don't feel shy to air your thoughts. Personally this forum has been a lifeline to keep me going!

I don't mean to confuse you further, but didn't they already confirm 3 our of 4 sentinels nodes had cancer? Why then send further post axillary clearance to the US? Maybe I am not quite getting the picture, soz

I know what it feels like as in my earlier days I was also torn between op or chemo first. You need to do what you feel comfortable with and while chemo is not nice, it is do-able and can be managed. The aim of chemo is really to either reduce size of lump and to prevent reoccurrence...so called blast the body off any other gremlin lurking.

So, it also depends whether if you can take another op within 3 weeks span? All these you probably know the answers to and can make those judgements. Make a collective decision with the experts know how. Seems to me the surgeon doesn't have a lot of confidence for the procedure. 

When I opted for surgery first is coz regardless I will need mastectomy before or after chemo, but felt I can bounce back quickly and recover fully then go for treatment knowing that the critter is out already (fear of spread is very real in my head). If I am so battered from Chemo then how could I face an op at the end,  and I fear my recovery will be hindered or slow. But each person is different. No right or wrong, u will know it once decided, u get that peace of mind.

Good luck in whatever you choose

C x

Hi Pennyfan, glad you are starting to see things a bit clearer. My top tip for when you speak to your oncologist is to take a notebook - they give you a huge amount of information an it can be quite overwhelming. Also a good idea to remember that they are telling you about all possible side effects and you are very unlikely to get them all. Most people cope with chemo fine. If you read the side effects of painkillers, I'm sure there is a risk of death!

Good luck with what you decide, and as Claud272 says, everyone is very supportive on here, so any question is worth asking to get different views.

Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts it is really helpful and I am getting a clearer idea about what is going to be important for me.

HI B, I am getting more prepared for contacting the team tomorrow and I have questions written down. I realize I need more information. I am more clear about what I think is important for me based on my concerns which is the risk of lymphoedema, more nerve damage, having to be careful with that arm forever  etc . I neeed to know what their response is to the pros and cons of avoiding surgery or going straight for chemotherapy. 

Glad you have got clearer idea. Write those questions down as sometimes u can forget. Get the facts, that is wise. Good luck

C x