Breast Cancer Stage 3 - Chemo or not?

Hello everyone, I would like to get some advice on chemotherapy.

I am a 48year old woman who got diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer before my operation. I then had it all removed and at my second consultation i got told it is actually a stage 3 breast cancer but in a stage 1 size. Which has gotten me extremely worried as i have got told i need 6 chemotherapy cycles following with radiotherapy afterwards. They said chemotherapy would help me by 15% .I have also got my appointment to start my treatment Second week of april so have exactly 2weeks to decide. I am really not keen with chemotherapy and extremely scared would consider to not do it but my family want me too.

I would be be happy if some of you can share your experience with chemotherapy or give me any advice.

Thank you in advance

  • Hello there,

    im currently doing chemo and gearing up for cycle 3 this Thursday....mine is a flush, as the oncologist couldn't rule out rogue cells, my theory is throw everything at it now, the thought of it coming back is unthinkable but I need to know I'm doing everything to prevent that happening.

    Im on fec in 3 weekly cycles, they do everything to keep you well during chemo, and can tweak doses....while it's pretty unpleasant it is doable.....here if you need to chat xxxx

  • Hi Marlyn, 

     

    Thank you for sharing. I totally understand what your're saying and should throw everything to save our lives. Just the thought of the process is horrible. 

    How about the side effects are they horrible as they say? Or do you feel good inbetween your chemotherapies? 

    I appricate your reply means alot to me xx

  • Dahliat.....I have sent you a friend request so we can chat... happy to help in any way I can xxx

  • Thank you very much Marlyn xxx

  • Hi, hope you're doing ok.

    My mum was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 2 transitional cell kidney cancer in Dec 18. After a radical nephrectomy in January we found out it was stage 3 grade 3, but thank god localised. She now needs three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy to try to prevent it from coming back. Her full body scan last week was all clear they say. She's starting GemCarbo within the next week, but is worried about side affects. She's 75. Could I ask how you're coping with side affects? Thank you 

  • Hello I have just completed  6 rounds of chemotherapy  for  grade 3 triple  negative  breast cancer.

    I saw my consultant  today and my Mri scan revealed  a complete  response  to chemo and the cancer has gone.

    It has not been an easy journey especially  with 3 young children and juggling childcare arrangements  etc.

    The Fec didn't  really affect me much at all with side effects.

    It was the Carboplatin  and docetaxal  regime that caused me problems.

    I ached all over and had painful joints.

    On some days I could barely walk  or stand and I had terrible stomach pains and diahorrea.

    General fatigue was also common as I never really got a chance to rest.

    It was my kids that kept me going and I kept up positive  thoughts that this cancer would  not beat me.

    I scalp cooled as well and even managed to keep most of my hair, and so I would  say it is doable but sometimes  the side effects can be awful but you just have to think that it's a necessary  process to aid your recovery.

    I'm so pleased I persevered  now.

     

    Karen

  • Hi,

    each chem regime will have its own side effects, and we will all react differently. My overriding one is fatigue.....

    i do hope you mum doesn't suffer too much....I do know they try hard to keep you well during chemo....how often will she need it? I go every 3 weeks....and having my 3 rd today.... xxx

  • Thank you so much for your reply & info about side affects from Carbo. I'm so pleased your cancer has gone. God Bless you x

  • Thank you for your reply.. She's starting chemo on the 11th April. She'll have GemCarbo or GemCis, Cis is easier on the kidney, "she only has one now". She'll have treatment on one day, then again seven days later, then she'll have a two week break .She'll need three or four cycles. It's adjuvant chemotherapy/a flush to try to stop it from coming back & to eliminate any rogue cells that may be lurking. I hope you are doing ok x

  • Hi,

    mine is a flush too....belt and braces they said. Don't forget they can adjust doses, they did with mi e as my first cycle was just horrible and I was practically crying I couldn't do through it again....they calmed me down and lowered my dose a bit and upped my anti sickness...and it seems to be working! 

    Let us know how your mum gets on? Xxxx