Chemo choice

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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Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer

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