To chemo, or not to chemo. That is the question.

[Ray515]

The doctors are making me mad! My cancer is er/pr neg and HER2 pos.  I had three very small tumors, the largest only 3.6mm. I had a mastectomy three weeks ago and the path report was good with no node involvement.  I've had no other therapy.  The size of the tumors and the good path report all indicate no additional chemo is necessary.  The HER2 status would indicate that chemo would be a good idea.  I have no consensus from the various doctors.  A Mayo doctor waffled at first and then got the opinions of three breast cancer specialists who all stated that chemo probably wasn't needed.  My regular oncologist, family doctor, surgeon, and a radiologist said chemo would be wise.  A radiologist nurse told me that the women she sees back for recurrences are those who didn't do additional therapy.  Then they tell me this is my decision.  Right, but I didn't go to med school.  Give me a little guidance!!
Is there anyone out there who has just received Herceptin alone, without other chemo drugs as an adjuvant therapy?  Any other suggestions?

[traceyz]

Hi There,

I am er- pr+ her2+. I have only gone through 1 round of chemo so far. I am definately not tellin you what to do and I knooooooooooooooow chemo SUCKS, but I would do EVERYTHING possible to ensure I am kissing cancer good bye. I am also gonna have take the herceptin as well as a hormone pill.

The fact that you have no nodes involved is good, and the chances of it returning are most likely low. But I would do ALL I could to lessen that chance.

I am sure you will make the decision that is right for you. Good luck and be well!

[Ray515]

Thanks for the reply Traceyz.  The question the oncologists are pondering is whether or not the chemo would be worth it.  Evidentally, I am on the borderline of the chemo doing more harm than good.  And one Mayo oncologist said my chances of being cured with the mastectomy are 80%.  Great!!  However, it all seems to be a numbers game and the odds are definitely in my favor.  But then again, if I lose, I lose pretty big.  Everyone tells me that they are sure I will make the right decision for myself, and I appreciate that.  But I'm not sure of anything and if I don't do the chemo I will not sleep well at all.  If I do decide to do chemo, I won't sleep well knowing that I could be doing serious damage to my body all for nothing.  There are times I feel upbeat and then there are times I feel very low. Sorry, you caught me at a low point.  Cancer really sucks!  Good luck to you as you continue through your treatments.  I hope the chemo gives you the peace of mind I'm looking for.

[traceyz]

Since you say that the chemo may do more harm than good, im not so sure I would do it either. But that just me. The fact that you have no nodes involved is a REALLY REALLY good thing! Just make sure what ever you decide just dont look back. Think in through and feel god that you have made the right decision, let it go and be healthy. I know whatever you decide your gonna be just fine. I feel it!

God bless and be well