Thinking about having chemotherapy

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I received my Oncotype Test score yesterday. It was very high (51).

The Oncologist has recommended chemo, followed by radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

I had chemo just under 4 years ago for a primary tumour in my right breast. I am now about to start treatment for a second primary tumour in my left breast

I was in such a state yesterday that I couldn't make a decision. The Oncologist was really good. She explained everything fully and said she'll call me on Tuesday to give me time to think about it.

I am willing to have radiotherapy and to give hormone treatment a go but I'm terrified of chemo.

I had FEC chemo last time and I have been offered TC this time due to the damage the previous chemo does to the heart.

Both tumours were high grade. The first was TNBC and this second one was Low ER + (4/8) which means it is more like TNBC than ER+.

My anxiety is so bad just now.

Wondering if I should just go with the radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

TNBC has a high risk of recurrence even with chemo.

I'll be grateful to hear from anyone with similar experience

Coddfish over 2 years ago

I have TNBC and have had chemo - 4 EC followed by 12 weeks of Paclitaxel. I was well aware when having the chemo that I would still be at risk of recurrence. Ultimately I was swayed by knowing that if I did have a recurrence and hadn’t had chemo, I wouldn’t know whether the chemo would have prevented it. As it is, I am barely out of chemo and am already being investigated for a possible secondary on my liver. Arguably I have possibly impacted my quality of life for the last 6 months for no benefit but I think I would rather have that than be living with regret that I hadn’t had chemo. All the best.

Cannyannie over 2 years ago in reply to Coddfish

Thank you for your reply #Coddfish.

Hoping that the results of your investigations bring you good news.

I have decided to go ahead with the chemo. Like you, I would probably regret not having had it if the cancer comes back.

Even though there are no guarantees either way.

Best wishes.

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