should ichose chemo?

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I am 50 and have been diagnosed at the beginning of december with a grade 1 invasive ductal breast cancer.  I had a lumpectomy with clear margins and no lymph involvement seen. My oncologist advises radiotherapy and tamoxifen for 10 years.

I am very fortunate that my cancer appears well behaved and potentailly reaponsive to treatment. I mentioned about chemo to reduce the slight ecurrence risk even further and the dr feels that in my case the benefits are so tiny that its probably advisable not to undergo the risks of chemo but the decision up to me.

I am very pleasd about this but still worried that if it did return i would regret not having tried everything when i could. Has anyone else faced this kind of dilema?

Any advice really appreciated

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Hi Suez

Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.

While you are waiting for replies I have put for you below the link to one of BCC’s publications you might find helpful. 

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-you-diagnosis-treatment-future-bcc44

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

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Have you seen this tool?

It might be helpful to see the numbers and what it actually means to you.

Emxx

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Hi, I’m in almost exactly the same position as you - 1.8cm grade 1 lump removed with clear margins and no lymph node involvement , ER8 & PR8. Start radiotherapy this week and on tamoxifen although “only”!! 5 years for me. My oncologist was very clear that chemo was not required in my case.
Whilst there are no guarantees in life I am absolutely happy to follow this advice and not put my body through more than necessary.
I hope you reach a decision you are just as happy with.
Kitt
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