My situation is somewhat different as it was thyroid cancer, but...even though I didn't get chemotherapy or radiotherapy, I saw a radiation oncologist for radio-iodine treatment (which was basically just swallowing a capsule). So I wouldn't necessarily assume that talking to an oncologist means chemotherapy.

I was told by my breast consultant surgeon that there were various options after my lumpectomy and axillary lymph node clearance. I could have chemotherapy but she thought it would be harsh for someone of my age (81) but radiotherapy followed by a hormone blocking tablet were in her opinion the best route forward. However I was told that there would be an appointment with the oncologist and he would discuss chemotherapy, bisphosphonates and immunotherapy treatment. I asked him what would be the difference in potential effectiveness of chemotherapy versus radiotherapy and he said 5%so I confirmed that radiotherapy was my preference and I have finished my 20 sessions. The oncologist gave me a precription for Letrozole and Adcal d3. I am continuing to take Letrozole despite its side effects but have temporarily abandoned Adcal until I see my GP in two days' time because of its effect on my bowels. I shall ask my doctor if I can have a blood calcium test to check if extra calcium is strictly necessary. I received a letter, with copy to my GP, recommending that I should be prescribed the bisphosphonate alendronic acid. This matter was supposed to be discussed at a later date with the oncologist, not forced on me without adequate discussion.

You are right to have queries about your future treatment. For me it is a matter of personal choice because I want to live out the rest of my days feeling I can cope without having my system burdened by excessive medication. I can tolerate the Letrozole despite the unwelcome side effect of permanent indigestion and occasional abdominal pain. I already suffer from fibromyalgia and the resultant walking difficulty so I shall reject taking other powerful drugs. I have come to this decision after looking at all the pros and cons and the risk of recurrence. When you see your oncologist I hope you are given all the necessary information and enough time to consider what is the right thing for you.

Wishing you good luck

Anne. 

People tend to get a clinical oncologist when getting radiotherapy. My wife had 2 oncologists. The medical one for when she was getting chemo and having regular appointments, and the clinical one when she was getting radiotherapy.

She basically had 4 main specialists

Clinical oncologist for radiotherapy

Medical oncologist  for all things drug related

Breast surgeon for the removal of the cancer, and for reconstruction surgery

Then there was the breast consultant that she seen at the very begging to get her results, and seen her again when more or less being discharged from the breast unit.

Your cancer care involves a team of doctors. So don't go reading too much into seeing this person or that person.

Hi SharLou,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear that you lost your mum at such a young age. I also lost my mum to secondary breast cancer. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis brings many stages of uncertainty and these all tend to play with our minds. Most decisions about the optimum treatment for you, will be made at the MDT meeting. This is where all of the people involved in your care, decide between them, how to proceed with your care. This can only be decided when they have the results of your initial scans. biopsies, etc, so nothing can be decided upon, until they have these back. This makes your treatment a team decision, rather than an individual one. This is reassuring, as there is less likelihood of any mistakes being made.

I had 2 bouts of breast cancer 14 years ago and saw an oncologist, who recommended that I had radiotherapy. For reasons, which I won't go into, there had been a delay of 11 months before I saw her and I didn't feel sure that this would work, so long after surgery. I was sent to see two eminent researchers in radiotherapy. One thought that I might as well try it, but the other was insistent that it would not be effective if administered so long after my operation. He seemed by far the more knowledgeable and could back up his opinion well, so I took his advice. Instead I took Tamoxifen for the first year and changed to Letrozole, when I discovered a second cancer in the same breast the following year. I took this for 6 and a half years (Both of my cancers were Pure Mucinous, stage 1, with no lymph node involvement)..

Given your family history, the fact that your cancer is stage 2 and that you have a positive node, you may possibly  be advised to have chemo, as "a belt and braces approach". If I were in your position, I would feel like you and want to "throw everything at it", but you'll be able to discuss the benefits with your oncologist before making a final decision. There is a test that can be done to determine how beneficial chemo might be for you and it would be worth discussing this with your oncologist, before making the final decision.

I hope that you get your appointment through soon and that, between the two of you, you reach the best decision.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I saw the oncologist on Tuesday and it was recommended that I have a course of chemotherapy, so I will start treatment on 5 September. Bit shocked but if it is needed so be it. 

Thanks again for your responses, it is such a help being able to talk to people who 'get' it xx

Hi SharLou,

I am sorry to hear that you need chemo now. I can understand that this has come as a shock, but I suspect that, in the long run you'll feel happier in the knowledge that you've thrown everything at it, especially given the node involvement. I'm glad to hear that it will be starting fairly soon and I sincerely hope that it all goes well.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for your kind words   xx

Hi SharLou, I am also starting chemo on the 5th Sept...hope all goes well xx

Me too!! I have a pre-assessment on Monday 2nd, so am trying to think of the questions I need to ask!xx