CMF chemo for er/pr Negative tumor

[Mags44]

Had lumpectomy 3 wks ago. 1.3mm tumor node negative er/ pr negative. Have completed 1 week of radiation (25 treatments in all)
Oncologist says I am in the low risk area but is suggesting CMF chemo for 4 1/2 months to 'make sure' (my words)!!
I am 61 years old and there is no hsitory of any type of cancer in my family. However both my parents died at age 63 and 65 from massive heart attacks. Because of this I am reluctant to start the chemo and I am having a big problem making a decision as to whether take the treatment or not. My point is that I would not like to suffer the side effects of chemo. Can you please tell me what would be the down side to NOT doing the treatment.?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Mags44:  The benefit of chemotherapy in women in their 60's with negative nodes may be modest.  You should discuss with your oncologist, based on your information, the risk for recurrence with (and without) chemotherapy.  Oncologists have ways of calculating this information.  Once you have the information regarding how much benefit there is likely to be for you, you will be better able to make the decision if you think that this benefit is worth the risks.

[Mags44]

sorry my tumor was 1.3 cm not mm.