CHEMO EFFECTS
http://www.healthtalk.com/otherconditions/programs/14_342/page03.cfm
What was your side effects of chemo?
Dear Metalgear,
I had a bilateral mastectomy last year for left breast 1.4cm invasive ductal carcinoma with 3-4cm of DCIS. Although recurrence is still possible, I chose to have a bilateral because I have 2 small kids. Improving my odds helped me decide. I had chemo, no radiation. Its been a tough year but I'm glad I had the surgery. I'm recovering great! The chemo was harder for me than the surgery. Hope this helps, best wishes.
Dear metalgear: It is true that lobular cancer can be more difficult to detect on mammogram. Mastectomy of the affected breast would eliminate the need for radiation therapy but tamoxifen would likely still be recommended – to prevent recurrence. Bilateral mastectomy is considered an aggressive approach but is chosen by some women – and it is really a personal decision. The surgeon is correct in that a mastectomy does not always remove 100% of the breast tissue but it does remove most of it.
Thanks Annie. I think I am leaning toward the bilateral mastectomy, at this point anyway.
I too had ILC, and I knew it could come back. I decided to have a mastectomy, as I wanted no Chemo., or Radiation. I decided this when the Surgeon told me about having ILC Cancer. The operation wasn't bad at all, this was almost two years ago. The lymph nodes were clear, so were the margins. I am on Arimidex. I did not need to hang on to something that would put me in danger. I hope this will help you. God Bless.
Annie