Hi. I will be 72 in May. I am very fit, healthy, and active. Just had my second mastectomy. First cancer, 5 years ago, was lobular and I’m taking Anastrzole following the first mastectomy. I am told that all the cancer has been removed following the second mastectomy, that the sentinel nodes are clear, and that I don’t need radiotherapy. However, I am now being offered chemotherapy if I want it. I think I am being told that by having the chemo, my chances of having a related cancer in future would be reduced by 5% which doesn’t sound very much. I’m reading everything, of course, but feel at sea on this one. All opinions welcomed.
Hi Dimmock
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Hello,
Chemo is not as bad as you think it will be! The fear of it is worse than actually having it. It does not hurt for a start, it makes you feel unwell as in feeling sick and being tired. So take that on board if you are weighing up your options.
Plus I used a cold cap with fabulous results AND I fasted before I had the infusions. That helps tremendously with the side effects. I had no mouth/gum sores, no tummy issues and I was never vomitting. So I would advised you to reserach into all of that but what really did it for me was the mice in this video have a look at the mice about 39 seconds in and comapre the mouse that was fed to the mouse that was not!
youtube.com/watch?v=LGafhm1cuSI
Hi Dimmock, its a while ago you posted, but I can understand your dilemma 5% doesn’t seem like much at all I agree.
What did you decide in the end?
I am still debating chemo and I’ve not even seen the oncologist yet. I was told all clear lymph and also margins but still suggested having the chemo and radiotherapy.
I hope you are fairing well?
Best wishes and :heart:
Re treatment, I think it’s a very personal choice. The question I asked all my consultants was this…If I was your mum/ sister/ granny would you recommend this treatment for me. Although they can’t advise you or persuade you as treatment is patient led, I found they were all happy to answer a hypothetical question. Asking this question may get you some clarity . I’m 72 , and had WLE in 2017, plus chemo and rads. Unfortunately I have secondaries in my lungs but am really fit and well with continuous treatment.With young grandchildren it was a no brainer for me to see them grow for as long as possible. I also have a very loving husband who I would hate to leave. However, if, and when, treatment prevents me living life to the full then I will make a different decision.
I did choose a liquids only diet for 48 hours before and after chemo, and believe that this helped minimise nausea. Fresh soups and smoothies were a godsend. I couldn’t have fasted though. My team didn’t mind what I did, as long as it didn’t interfere with treatment. Good luck to all out there. X