chemo or not

[kayjee]

Diagnosed stage 2 ductal carcinoma on the right breast.  I chose to have a double mastectomy.  The surgeon did a sentinal node dissection and took 2 lymph nodes.  They came back clear- no cancer.  He is now recommending a short term chemotherapy session as insurance and it is my choice.  Why would I have to do chemo if all my tests and MRI's are cancer free?

[Irishgal2]

Hi,

I was diagnoised with Stage 1 breast cancer (2cm ductal carcinoma and no lumph node involvement), but I was advised to have chemo (4 cycles of AC Regime) for the following reasons:

1. I was 39 years old - under 50's tend to be recommended for chemo if Stage 1 or above as a general rule in Ireland.
2. I was pre menopausal. Another reason in Ireland.
3. My cancer was a grade 3. Another reason.

You did not mention your age, menopausal status or grade of cancer in your question, so I'm sorry but I cannot help more.  But please do discuss the benefits of having chemo with your Oncologist and ask him/her directly why he/she is recommending it so you can make the right decision for yourself.  The best of luck with your decision and future treatments.

[LADYBLUES]

I also had a double masectomy and as a precautionary measure i underwent radiation. I had 3 lymphnodes removed because my doctor said there were some "ghost cells" there. There is always a chance that one little cell left behind can grow into a reccurance of cancer. My prayers are with you..