I recently had a lumpectomy with the following pathology: 1.5 cm, stage 1, grade 2 intermediate, progesterone and
estrogenHormone replacement therapy positive, her2 negative,
clearClear by design
Clear eyes
Clear eyes acr
Clear eyes clr
Clear-atadine
Clear-atadine children's margins and no lymph
nodeLymph node biopsy
Swollen glands
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
Swollen lymph nodes under arm involvement. I am 46. Protocol for this, I understand, is to have chemotherapy (AC) followed by
radiationCystitis - noninfectious
Radiation therapy. I have had differing opinions, though, regarding the chemotherapy. Most indicate that it is given because of my age. I have been told to do as much as possible and the opposite, to do no more than necessary. I am concerned about the chemo and its long term effects - altering dna, future potential for leukemia, heart problems, not to mention the short term - I am single and alone and sole
supportSupport
Support 500. One doctor asked if I could take three months off - not an option at all. My question is what is the percentage of reoccurance with chemo and
radiationCystitis - noninfectious
Radiation therapy for someone my age? Radiation only? what is the percentage that develops the long term side effects? I am trying to make the best decision for me now and for the long term. Any input is appreciated as I need to make this decision very soon. Thanks...
I was in a similar situation as yourself. I got two opinions. The first oncologist recommended chemo, the second did not. I was 50 and premenopausal. If you're interested in my story you can go to http://www.bcsaf.com/stories/rita.html
You can also contact me by e-mail through that site.
Also, you may be interested in a recent study: Hormonal Therapy Proves Superior to Standard Chemo for Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients. You can read about it at: http://www.breastlink.com/blink/plsql/HomePageNav?h_article_id=474
As the article points out, this study compared chemo alone against Hormonal alone. It does not deal with using both.
My onc recommended 4 AC's followed by 4 Taxols, followed by simultaneous radiation along with 5 years of Tamoxifen. I chose the DOSE-DENSE regimen, whereby I receive chemo every 2 weeks instead of every 3 weeks--along with a shot of Neulasta 24 hours after each treatment. I am now between my 2nd & 3rd treatment & have so far had almost no side effects, aside from the hair loss. The Neulasta will probably take care of the higher risk of infection; I got Kytrel (anti-nausea) along with each infusion & prescription Zofran pills, which I take once a day for 3 days afterwards--only had a very slight case of "queasiness" about the 3rd or 4th day. I'm also pleasantly surprised that my blood work (taken weekly) has so far remained good, but I do expect them to go down, and my main concern is that I'd be overly tired/drained over the next 6 cycles. Insurance only pays for the Procrit once the anemia actually sets in, or the CBCs drop below normal, & then it'll take a few weeks then to set it straight. I'm also concerned about the side effects of the impending TAXOL in a few weeks.
Can anyone clue me in on this? How tired or "wasted" can I expect to feel from this in the following weeks? Does it get worse with each additional cycle? Anyone wishing to share info please e-mail me at: ***@****. I'd like to share chemo experiences with other readers.