With first breast cancer back in 2000 at age 45, oncologist said because I was "young," he recommended chemo. I could have passed on it, but with oncologist and husband both urging it, I did it, but opted for the less strenuous chemo--six sessions that probably wouldn't make me lose my hair. Turns out not doing Adriamycin chemo at that time was fortuitous as I was diagnosed with triple-neg breast cancer in same breast Sept. 2014 (and early DCIS in right) and needed to do Adriamycin chemo for that. Did six Adriamycin chemos followed by twelve Taxol chemos.

Am not being actively treated right now, but go to the oncologist twice a year for checkups--he just offered me the option of going just once a year as am six years out from chemo treatment, but I'll keep the twice-a-year schedule for peace of mind. The worst part of second breast cancer is reconstructing after double mastectomy; have had 7–8 surgeries now. Had to have implants removed in Nov 2020 and replacement of tissue expander (a lot of tissue was removed in Nov and had to grow enough skin to cover a new implant) in April.

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