Node-, ER/PR ,HER2- Chemo or not?

[O'D]

56 yr old, post menopausal,IDC 1.4cm (20% DCIS),node-(sentinelnode-(HE and Immunohistochemical staining) ,ER+/PR+,HER2-,Grade 3.   Question now is Chemo (CMF or AC)prior to Radiation and Hormonal threapy (Tamx/AI)worth the risks or not?  Thanks

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear O'D:  The decision to do chemotherapy is based on many factors, including those you mention but also your general health.  Your doctor should be able to discuss with you the actual expected percentage of benefit from chemotherapy as well as the potential risks which may help you in making your decision.    

[rkmsim]

This is a very personal decision. My oncologist said they recommend chemo for any tumor over 1cm.  My first bc in 1998 was a 2cm tumor, ER+, PR+, Her2Neu-, micromets to one node. I had AC chemo and radiation after surgery followed by 5 years of Tamoxifen.  My second bc, on the other side in 2003, was a 1.1cm tumor, ER+, PR+, Her2Neu-, node negative. After much thought and three opinions by oncologists (2 recommended chemo, 1 didn't), I decided to only go with radiation after the surgery followed by Femara, which I am currently taking.  Ultimately, you need to gather as much information you can as knowledge in this case is indeed power.  Then base your decision on what you feel most comfortable with as well as the recommended guidelines.  Once you have made your decision, don't look back and go through the "what if's".