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I'm.not sure what to do at 63 since my cancer returned.
They say more chemo and then a double mastectomy as the cancer is now in both breasrs and the lymph nodes.
Had very adverse reactions to chemo in first instance so am concerned about doing chemo again.
Would appreciate any helpful advice.
Thank you
Replies to "I'm.not sure what to do at 63 since my cancer returned. They say more chemo and..."
Hi @fightcancer1000 it’s so hard to hear that news, that the cancer is back. Getting through it the first time is hard enough. It sounds like you had an especially hard time with chemo the first time around. It is likely that you will be getting a different chemo drug or mixture of drugs, so you may not have the same reaction or side effects this time around. Be sure to let your team know about your previous experience.
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- Breast Cancer Recurrence https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breast-cancer-recurrence/
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Hello @fightcancer1000,
I'm so sorry to hear that your cancer has returned. I had breast cancer a year ago and now have atypical lobular hyperplasia, so I know the feelings associated with another diagnosis. My second diagnosis isn't cancer, but I know how you're feeling. I had a reaction to chemo treatments as well. I'm not sure if the reactions you are talking about were during the actual administration of chemo, or how you reacted to chemo a few days following infusion. I had, I think, was an allergic reaction to chemo right at the beginning of starting the second cycle of chemo. My blood pressure went sky high, I became very flushed and hot, and had trouble speaking (not slurred speech - just couldn't get any words out). They pumped me full of meds and gave me a half dose of Xanax to calm me down. They started treatment about 15 minutes after the reaction and I was fine. Before administering subsequent infusions, they gave me meds to combat any reactions and no other reactions occurred. At age 63, you are still young and have a long life ahead of you. If chemo is recommended and you're not comfortable going that route again, then get a second opinion. There might be other treatment options. If a reaction to the chemo is the deciding factor, then speak to your oncologist about your fears and what can be done to combat the reaction. If it's anxiety about treatments, ask for something that will calm you down before your treatment starts. Believe me, the 1/2 dose of Xanax made me relaxed but not "out of it" and treatments were much better. Don't let fear control your decisions....make your decisions once informed. I wish you well!