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Diagnosed with invasive ductal Carcinoma 2.2mm. Er/HER2 +3 positive
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Apr 16 3:49pm | Replies (59)Comment receiving replies
lnw @lnw
It is such an individual choice because everyone's reaction to chemo and estrogen blocker are different.
Chemo, though not pleasant was not a terrible experience for me. I did loss my hair, but it came back. I was fatigue, but done of the other side effects some people experience and no long term side effects. I actually never considered not doing chemo.
On the other hand, I had problems with estrogen blocker I took after chemo and radiation and only stayed on them a year.
I am 5 years out from stage 2 breast cancer (2 lymph nodes positive), 68 years old.
Everyone needs to weigh the risk vs side effects in their situation.
What is your biggest fear about chemo?
Replies to "lnw @lnw It is such an individual choice because everyone's reaction to chemo and estrogen blocker..."
When I started chemo about two and a half years ago, the hospital pharmacist gave me a large box of drugs for most of the possible side effects. Turned out I didn't need any of them. I did get chemo rash - it brings out all the sunspots in your arms etc. Looked ugly but wasn't too itchy. (It wasn't on my hands or face - probably due to my having been made to wear gloves and a hat in high school.)
Main effect was fatigue. I could have chosen the cold cap treatment to keep my hair, but it meant spending an extra hour each time and I couldn't be bothered. From what I could tell from other patients, it does seem to work. I do have peripheral neuropathy though - but at least it's not painful. Oncologists seem to be just guessing when trying to assess the risk of permanent peripheral neuropathy- not enough research as been done.
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I know I am being vain, but I have had a head full of hair my whole life and it scares me to see myself bald. Plus, being deadly sick through it all. I have friends who went through it and they said how terrible it was for them, but they had larger tumors or far advanced stages than me and didn't have an option. I know I am going to do whatever gives me the best outcome ad I have seen best friend suffer and die from breast cancer. I just want to get some perspective from others who have gone through it. Thanks so much for your response.