ibc stage 1 chemo or not

[Dubette]

Hi

I got a recommendation to have chemo based on my Oncotype test score of 28.

I don’t know if I should have the chemo done or not. I just don’t want to tear down my body if I don’t have to. The standard is 25 or greater. I am stage 1 ibc no lymph node spread. Would proceed to radiation next

Anyone have chemo for this type of ibc? Any help appreciated

Thanks I am at a loss now

[Happyrosie]

Dubette, when I had a diagnosis of breast cancer almost ten years ago I made a decision, with my husband, that whatever the oncologist recommended, I would do. I deliberately did not look at any website other than those she recommended.

Yes, chemo was nasty.

If you decide not to have chemo you could spend the rest of your life wondering if the cancer will return . Obviously, so do I but it doesn’t impact me because I know I have done everything possible.

[CrazyHoundLady]

Hi,

I had to make the same decision 3 years ago (at 39yo). My BC was stage 2 (it was in 2 ducts) but the pathology from my mastectomy suggested that it was confined to the breast so chemotherapy was optional (4% chance of making a difference my 10 year survival according to BREAST Predict). I decided not to take the chemo or the endocrine therapy (only 2% chance of improving 10 year survival) based on the certainty that the chemo would do damage versus the theoretical risk that there was something lurking to eliminate. I am in the privileged position of being a cancer researcher so I could access all the information and opinions of clinical colleagues to help me make my decision.

I had what I thought were 3 healthy years until I had a fall last year and while I was being checked out the x-ray showed a sizeable bone met. Nothing up to this point indicated there was a problem.

With hindsight I don’t know that I would have changed my mind about the chemo or the endocrine therapy as neither is a guarantee of a cancer free life. What I do know is that I now have all options on the table to treat my mets because they have not been exposed to previous treatment. I made an informed decision and it didn’t pay off, that’s not to say that it wouldn’t work out for someone else with the same diagnosis.

Whatever you decide to do it has to be your decision. If you need more help or information then seek a second or third opinion. Don’t feel that you have to take everything offered to you or that you have to rush into a decision immediately.

I wish you the very best of luck with your decision x

[Dubette in reply to CrazyHoundLady]

thank you for your knowledge About this subject. I wish you well hope and joy to healing your body

[Cooking_nut]

Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 1A HER2+ cancer in 2021. I had no lymph node involvement. I think it will depend on what type of BC you have and what your oncologist recommends depending on your circumstances. I did have chemo (taxol) and Herceptin. After finishing the 12 rounds of taxol, I had radiation. While the chemo was not pleasant, it wasn’t so bad that I wouldn’t do it again. I’m now taking an estrogen inhibitor for 5 years.

There’s lots of breast cancer info on the internet and if you question what your oncologist tells you, get a second opinion, and even a third.

I’d be happy to answer any other questions you have about chemo or radiation, etc., regarding my experience.

[mathematics]

Hi I was diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago now it had gone into my lymph nodes and was aggressive grade 3 type although fortunately only stage 2. I took whatever treatment that was offered on the advice of a good friend who had lost his wife to cancer and rung me every week while I was having my treatment. She had cancer initially but was not offered chemo, it returned and she did not have it treated straight away but went away on holiday by the time she started her treatment plan she was not strong enough to take the chemotherapy and unfortunately died. He advised me to take whatever they offer you so I did, which meant after my operation and clearance of the margins operation I had six rounds of TAC chemo then radiotherapy for 2 weeks including the hormone treatment tablets for ten years. I am still here after recently having a clear mammogram. They could not say definitely my cancer would not return but they had given me every chance that it would not. Take care and all the best with your treatment plan.

[DCCC_204]

hi Dubette

I also scored high on the onco test & was recommended to have chemo Actually the chemo was simply scheduled for me right away I talked with one of the chemo nurses who got my information. At that time I didn’t even consider not having it

I will admit it was tough on me; it is hard on the body. I was level 1 so had 4 treatments every 3 weeks. I got sick following each treatment with the second one having a boil form in my underarm. This took some extra time to get over. Looking back I am glad I had the treatments because it added to my fight to overcome my cancer. I guess there are no guarantees but I wanted to do as much as I could & felt grateful this was made available to me to help in my fight.

Good luck in reaching a decision on whether or not to have chemo.

[Dubette in reply to DCCC_204]

Thank you I am still leaning to not have chemo