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Chemo or radiotherapy

GrannyAli
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I've been invited to join the Optima trial, which would mean being put straight on chemo or after Prosigna test just radiotherapy if results are low. I've had a lumpectomy (23mm tumour) & 2 positive nodes- lobular breast cancer. Have thought about paying for a Prosigna test anyway to see my score.I don't really want chemo but also worried if not taking it I would be putting myself in future danger. Anyone else in this situation or have any advice. Wish oncologist would say what he would recommend  & not leave you to make a decision! 

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    Hi 

    I had lobular breast cancer 55mm tumour with one positive lymph node.I was offered the Onco type test to see if chemo would be beneficial.After a mess up with the test by the hospital , I never got the results and decided to go for chemo anyway.

    I'm glad I did , finished chemo last week and to be honest it hasn't been too bad .Had a blood clot in my arm but even with that I'm glad I decided to have chemo as I know I have done everything to prevent it coming back.Have radiotherapy in June.

    Obviously its a personal decision , and one I found difficult.Personally I feel if the NHS are prepared to fund chemo , knowing how stretched they are , there's good evidence it will improve your outcome.

    The chemo nurse said my tumour markers have gone down ( though not totally relevant ) so I feel it has done some good  and mentally I feel I made the right decision.

    Good luck x

     

  • Offline in reply to Minty69

    Hi Minty69- Thank you very much for your reply.
    Glad you're doing ok after blood clot and at end of your chemo. 
    I saw the oncologist today to discuss what I wanted to do. I've been in turmoil the last few days, reading so much and not knowing what to do. Had a long chat with him and nurse, with husband and I asking so many questions. I realised that I really had to go down the route of chemo as i think in time I may regret not doing this. So, in about 4 weeks it will start. Thank you for your encouraging message. 

    Best Wishes for a healthy future. X

  • Offline in reply to GrannyAli

    Hi and welcome to the forum the club nobody wants to join, but so many do .

    Really glad you made your mind up about treatment ,as chemotherapy covers all the body, and radiotherapy is targeted to specific area  ,if you want any information on does and don'ts im sure plenty of people will give you more than enough info   .

    Good luck with your treatment and keep safe and sure,. 

    Billy

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