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Boydis
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Hi

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy and lymph node clearance. 4 out of the 8 nodes that were taken out had cancer.

i have been told my cancer is grade 2.

I’ve been informed of my treatment plan which will be 6 cycles of chemotherapy followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy and hormone therapy tablets for 10 years.

My question is has anyone in my situation refused chemotherapy and just gone for the other 2 treatments?

Thanks in advance  x

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    Hi Boydis,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I don't envy you, having to make a decision on this quandary. It is unfortunate that cancer has been found in 4 of the 8 nodes, that you had removed. This indicated that there could be some spread to other parts of the body. The chemo is used to mop up any of these and to prevent them from spreading. You will be tested again, after your chemo ends. It is really at this stage, that you will find out how effective the treatment has been for you. This is only when you'll discover whether or not chemo has reduced the size of any affected areas, or whether it has cleared the spread completely.

    As someone who had stage 1 breast cancer, with no lymph node involvement, I was told that I didn't need chemo. However, 6 months after surgery, I discovered a pre-cancerous lump in my other breast and less than a year after my lumpectomy, I found a second tumour in the original breast. I have since had a double mastectomy, but I often wonder if chemo might have prevented this additional distress.

    The final decision has to be yours and yours alone, but please have a good chat with your care team and ask them about how much additional protection you would get with/without chemo. You will find it helpful to write down any questions before your next consultation, as it's all too easy to forget important questions on the day.

    Please keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do. Remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you for your reply and I am sorry to hear what you have been through.

    i have had a ct scan which was all clear apart from my upper right lung where it appears there are nodules. However I was told they could be caused from infections I’ve had like covid etc and I will be rescanned in 3 months to note if there has been any changes.

    i have all my questions ready to take on Wednesday and I will speak to my breast nurse tomorrow.

    Thank you for replying and I hope you are ok x

  • Offline in reply to Boydis

    Hi Boydis, 

    It is reassuring to hear that your CT scan didn't indicate anything untoward and to know that you will be re-scanned in 3 months, to check on the lung nodules. I hope that you managed to have a chat with your breast care nurse today and that you will get some more helpful replies to your answers  on Wednesday. Your care team members are in the best position to steer you to the best decision re treatment, as they have access to all of your medical history. Without these details and their knowledge of this type of cancer, it is impossible to tell you what is the best way forward.

    I do hope that you can get further clarification and that this will help you in your decision making. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do. Remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi 

    just an update for you. I had my first cycle of Ec on Thursday x I do feel ok apart from bad heartburn, however I do also understand I won’t feel like this after every cycle and side effects will become worse. 
    just wanted to let you know xxx hope you’re ok xx

  • Offline in reply to Boydis

    Hi Boydis,

    Thank you for the update. I'm glad to hear that you have had your first cycle of EC and that you haven't had any unwanted effects, apart from bad heartburn. Make sure to mention this when you go for your next session, as they may be able to give you something to help with this. Here's hoping that you'll be lucky and that the side-effects won't get much worse.

    I am now 14 years down the line and still live a busy and fulfilling life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how the rest of your sessions go.

    Kind regards,


    Jolamine xx

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