Hi
i have had early breast cancer which was removed with surgery and have chosen to have chemo to increase my survival chances and in order to qualify for herceptin. however i am now worried about the side effects of 5FU (flououracil) following recent research being published
In january I had a WLE of a 15mm lump (invasive breast cancer ) then re-excision to remove pre cancer No spread to lymph nodes so stage 1, but still an aggressive grade 3 cancer. With the cancer all removed i was offered radiotherapy and tamoxifen… Chemo wasn’t mentioned but i asked to see an oncologist. The oncology team strongly recommended chemo for me followed by herceptin, saying it would increase my chances by 6% for the chemo alone and an unknown percentage for the herceptin
so i said yes… based on the percentages
However i am really worried following the recent publication of the research into 5 FU (flourouracil), which i will be having after epirubicin as part of a CMF cocktail
Basically i feel i have chosen to take poison that may leave me with memory loss and poor concentration and who knows. Dementia in old age has even been mentioned? Have people been taking it long enough for us to know what happens after 20 or 25 years?
I’m struggling now with whether to carry on and take the 6% ++ extra on my survival rate… or stop and not risk brain damage. I’ve had one EPI so far.
The thing is i really want the herceptin because i know its supposed to be very effective… and i did have an aggressive cancer… and if i stop the chemo i won’t get it
Anyone had similar dilemmas? or can give me some food for thought?
I am 48 btw.
Many thanks
This thread says there’s 3 messages and I don’t see any of them?
I’ve read 2 articles today that are somewhat conflicting so am interested to see what others think.
Angie
hi i don’t seem to be able to post
i can see the text myself but no-one else can
i’m working on it!
helen
Hi Helen
Welcome to the forums. Your posts should now be visible to others using the forum. As a new user your first posts don’t go ‘live’ immediately until the moderation team have checked them and set them live.
I am sure your fellow forum users will be along shortly to answer some of your questions but please do feel free to contact BCC’s confidential helpline where you can discuss your thoughts and concerns with the breast care nurses. The calls are free, the number to call is 0808 800 6000 lines being open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
hi ive had cmf and had concerns but i figured it was worth the risk of dying old with memory less than getting bc again and regretting the decision not to have chemo!!!
Hello Helenclare…I had to make the same decision as you, and did go for it, although I have just missed the last dose, (going on to rads now). Research is often conflicting, the only way to get really definitive results is with experiments, and there’s only so far you can go with human experiments! Dont worry too much, go with your decision…look after yourself. I keep doing puzzles and things to keep the brain cells going. Just think of those people who lose half their brains and still manage a full life!
Good luck with your treatment, keep posting,
Love Zoe x
Hi Helen
I had 6 lots of EC and my oncologist knocked off the “F” element (Flouracil). When I queried this with him, he told me he didn’t believe it gave any extra benefit. So. Why don’t you ask your oncologist his thoughts on the efficacy of flouracil. Lots of people are on FEC. My oncologist has 30 years or so experience and I trust him implicitly. good luck. Carrie
thanks all for your comments 
carriemitch… thanks especially for that. I’m part of the tact 2 study… but i may see if i can leave it and get the F knocked off.
do you mind telling me the name of your consultant and the hospital you are at? private message me if you prefer…
many thanks
helen