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I Am Not Having Chemo.

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Posted 5/3/2005 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I went to see my Oncologist and Surgeon yesterday and this is what they told me. (I had 1.2 cm lobular and clear nodes).........they said that without anything, my chance of survival was 80%, but with rads and cancer drug (not sure which one, but not Tamoxifen), my chances would be bumped up to 95%,  They said chemo would add about

1 1/2 to 2% more and they did not think I needed chemo.  Of course I was thrilled.  Don't you think those odds are pretty good??  Has anyone had this experience? 

Thanks,

Janis

Posted 5/3/2005 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Janis-
While I am sure you are elated, if it were me, I would get a second opinion. Not because I think the docs are wrong, but because I would want to be sure they are right. I had ductal carcinoma, but I had been told that 1 cm was the "cut off" for needing chemo or not... but that was also before the oncotype dx testing....5 years ago it was all or nothing.
Just think about it carefully and try not to be swayed by the excitement of desire to not do chemo...
I am a big advocate for 2nd opinions and with something as big as this, I think it is a good idea. Plus, when they confirm the no chemo option, you will have extra assurance to celebrate.

L&H,
Lori
Posted 5/3/2005 9:32 PM (GMT 0)

Janis,

I understand what you are going through.  Had it not been for the Oncotype DX test I would have been in the same boat of whether to do the chemo or not.  I can't honestly say what I would have done had the decision been left up to me.  My tumor was 1.6 cm. and I had been told it would depend on the onc. whether or not they treated with chemo.  But I was starting to feel like if it came down to it I would probably want all the artillary there was to fight this.  Then when my onc. told me about the oncotype test I didn't have to fret, I just waited for the results.

I know I've read several times that the survival rates for lumpectomy with radiation is equal to that of mastectomy.  But I'm not sure how much the odds increase with chemo.  I would do as Lori said and get a second opinion just to give you peace of mind.  Do what feels right for you though.  We will back you 100% and be there for any PCE visits you want.

Love and hugs,

Posted 5/4/2005 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Janis: A second opinion is always a good thing. But, what good news. Let us know what you decide. Prayers are with you, Candy
Posted 5/4/2005 12:08 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for all of your comments. I did get a 2nd opinion and he felt the same.  I will be closely monitored for the next few years.  I thank you for your comments and now all I have to do is heal and then began the rads.  Any comments on how to heal that "virgin" skin that is probably going to burn!  Any other comments about what to do and what not to do while taking radiation will be helpful.

L&Hs,

Janis

Posted 5/4/2005 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Janis-
I did not have the "virgin" skin issue, but my advice is to ask the rad onc and the RN about what you can use. It seems they all recommend and allow different products. I can't remember what I was able to use for soap, but I was allowed to use regular deoderant, applied after rads (I went at 7:15 am so it was easy to do, just carried a stick with me). I also was advised to use Fruit of the Earth aloe gel. I did not have any burning, so I did not need any creams to heal...
And great news again on the no chemo part of this journey!
Lori
Posted 5/5/2005 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, that "Fruit of the Earth" aloe gel is good stuff. Make sure it's colorless. They will watch you closely to make sure you aren't burning, and believe me, you'll know if you are. They're usually very good at prescribing creams, etc. to help. You shouldn't have any trouble, so lay back and enjoy.

Hugs,
Rita
Posted 5/5/2005 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janis,
I was very much in the same position as you as to whether I should have chemo or not. My original oncologist recommended four chemo treatments (AC), followed by radiation, and then hormone therapy for five years. It was so very marginal that chemo would be of any benefit to me (1.3 cm tumor, ductal carcinoma in situ, negative nodes), but he still felt I should do it. When my husband and I were still questioning the validity of chemo, the Dr. told us of the Oncotype DX test. After several weeks and bargaining with my insurance company, I had the test on the tumor done, and I came in the low range, meaning chemo would probably not be beneficial to me. I also got a second opinion from a doctor in Spoakne (WA), who said his gut said not to do it, however, if I were his wife, he isn't sure what he would do..... So, the test was the determining factor for us. I am now on treatment number 21 of 33 radiation sessions, and have just started to burn a bit. I have been using aloe vera gel, Emu oil, and now a prescription for Silvadine. I actually feel very well...a little tired if I overdo it., but not bad overall. So, there is light at the end of this tunnel! I might also mention that the hormone therapy I am going to "request" (demand?), is Arimidex, one of the new Aromatase Inhibitors. I am menapausal, and the perfect candidate "tumor-wise" for this treatment. It has fewer side affects than Tomoxifan that has been the standard for 20+ years. You might ask about these drugs. Good luck to you....and remember, everyone is with you along your way!
Take Care, Jean in WA
Posted 5/5/2005 6:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jean! Congrats...you are over half  way done. WTG! I am a big fan of the emu oil. We use it on cuts and scratches. It is a miracle oil. But, please be careful using it on your rad burns. Remember, radiation burns from the inside out. The oil can keep the heat in rather than letting it escape. Have you tried the gel packs like they use on burn patients? They are wonderful. Put them in the fridg and they feel great when placed on the hot skin. They can be reused. Watch your skin as you get near the end of your treatments, esp for a week or so afterwards.

Deb

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