Hi MJ,

This is always a difficult decision to make, especially when you feel that you don't have all of the answers you need to decide. You might find it helpful to draw up two different lists - the first with all the questions you need to ask your consultant, in order to reach the right decision - the second a sheet of paper with 2 columns, one for and one against chemo.  

If there is anything that you are unsure about, don't hesitate to ask your consultant or your nurse. Ask them what they woulld suggest if you were their partner. This is very much an individual decision at the end of the day and one that only you can make. However, you need enough information to be able to reach the right decision for you.

If you were to ask people who have faced this situation themselves, you would probably find that you get a mixed reply. Every cancer is individual to the person that has it. It relies on so many other factors too - age, general health, genetics, hormones, lifestyle, etc all play their part. 

The people who know most of these facts are in your care team, so they should be best placed to help you. Whatever you do eventually decide, I hope that it is the best possible decision for you.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine thank you so much for your reply and support. I hope you are well yourself. In just 4 days I've talked myself in and out of chemotherapy more times than I care to think about.

I had a call today from one of the specialists nurses at the hospital, as well as sharing my worries with her I told her my sensible head thinks I should do everything I possibly can now; while I'm young enough and generally healthy to give me the best possible outcome longterm, she said she agrees with my sensible head and I think that's what I needed to hear to reassure myself that it was the right choice, she was incredibly supportive and I actually found it easier to talk to her than my oncologist; who remained entirely on the fence throughout my appointment with her.

So chemotherapy it is !! 

Thanks again MJ

Hi mj

I thought I would reply as I'm near the end of my Chemo, I'm 38 and originally was just going to have radiotherapy' after my Lumpectomy but because the grade increased to a grade 3 after surgery I had to have Chemo which came as a shock.

I felt completely scared about the prospect of having chemo, but I thought I'm 38 a really fit and healthy Mum of 2 and while I'm in this storm at my fittest I thought to myself " bring it on" 

There are lots of horror stories but it is Do-able, it is tough and hard at time emotionally  but if you have family and friends too help you get it done that is all you need. 
 

I had 3xFEC and 3x Docetaxil every three weeks. I had a pic line put on which has been fine. 
 

You will have a chat with your Chemo nurse who will tell you lots of scary Side effects, they don't all happen and my side effects only last a week too Ten days after my treatment then I start too feel okay again. They Manage all the side effects really well with Sickness Tablets, mouth wash, creams etc.  

i was able to manage my symptoms as they were the same each time, when I changed too Docetaxil they changed but again where the same. 

I also used the cold cap. I wish you all the best 

Sarah xxxx 

MJ10

Hi MJ10 just read your post and it tool me back to when I had to make the same decision.i decided that no I wasn't going to have it,but like you after talking it over with my Oncologist, and he said it's because my breast cancer had spread to three of my lympth nodes ,that it was in my best interest to have the chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy, and take letrazole for 10 years, as there was a lot if cancer in my family.

My sensible head kicked in and I decided to go with it. I was petrified having my first chemo ,but it honestly wasn't as bad as I had convinced myself it would be. It's not easy but it's doable ,but only you can make that decision, and when you do,it will be right for you. Good luck with evertything, and do.let us know how you are.

What frightens you personally about chemo? You will read horror stories but I've had 8 cycles with very few side effects. Never felt sick and  carried on with my normal life. Doctors today are very good at managing any side effects you may have. 

Hi MJ,

I am so glad that you have managed to get a chat with one of your specialist nurses today and to hear that she was so supportive. I found my nurses very supportive second time around - the ones I had when I had my first bout 12 years ago, were not so helpful. Likeyou, I got a lot more help and information from them than I did from my consultant and oncologists.

When you already have some signs of cancer in your sentinel lymph node, chemo is possibly the best route to take. Otherwise, you would always regret not having had it if it spread further. You will probably change your mind a few more times before you get it, but it sounds as if your sensible head is winning.

Have you got a date for chemo yet? Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi snowdrop.. 

Hope you don't mind me jumping on, I'm 38 and my cancer has just changed to grade 3 after surgery mine went for oncotype testing and has come back at 18 my bcn has told me to prepare for chemo as it is higher then they would like for my age (cut off being 16) 

Did you have the onco scoring atall? I had no lymph node involment and clear margins Her2- and Er+ Pr+ 

Thanks S x