Cancer Research UK main site

maggyanne

maggyanne
Offline

Been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.  Had lumpectomy and lymph nodes taken

All clear, been told not giving chemotherapy because of existing health issues, ie…heart [pacemaker] 

thyroid and B12 and vascular disease and vaso vagal syncope and malabsorption of stomach

just getting radiotherapy, should I worry about no chemo ? Will it reoccur if I don’t get it ?

  • Offline

    Hi Maggyanne,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and existing health issues. I am not a doctor  but I understand that chemo can cause further heart complications, for those who already have coronary problems. This is probably why your care team have advised against it. Unfortunately, none of us can predict whether or not your cancer is likely to re-occur, but here's hoping that it won't. The best person to ask about the chances is your consultant.

    The possibility of reoccurrence is something that anyone with cancer has to learn to live with. You will be monitored regularly and will catch it quickly, if this should happen. I have had 2 bouts within a year of one another and I am still leading a busy and fulfilling life 14 years from diagnosis.

    I am delighted to hear that all is clear after your surgery and that there is no lymph node involvement. I hope that you are recovering well from your surgery.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello Maggyanne

    Sorry for your diagnosis. I'm awaiting an ultrasound and biopsy next Wednesday as I have found a 4cm hard lump in my breast.

    I didn't know that chemo affected the heart - I have a pacemaker too.

    My mum had just radiotherapy and she is now cancer free- no reoccurrence either (25 yes later) so chemo is not always needed.

  • Offline in reply to Sycamores

    Thank you for replying.  
    I did know that a triple negative diagnosis is a more aggressive, quicker growing, more chance of reoccurrence 

    and in most cases has to be treated more aggressively. 
    So I was very sceptical myself of whether I would survive the chemo, with all my problems and queried the outcome

    The consultant took the decision out of my hands at next appointment  He said the risks to you of chemo far out way the benefits,  and there could have been numerous serious complications

    I am relieved  in one way but a part of me wonders if I have been left to see what happens 

    margaret

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you Jolamine

    Your reply is reassuring and given my age (although I am active and fit)

    it may never reoccur in my lifetime, hopefully

    I wish you well in your future health

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.