Stage 1 Breast Cancer - Post Surgery Treatment

[rpanja]

I was detected with stage 1 triple positive breast cancer. The surgery was done earlier this month and the cancer calcification (16mm) were removed. Post surgery biopsy results suggests that the calcification (cancer cells) were completed removed, the margins around it tested negative and the lymph node testing was also negative. This confirmed stage 1 of the cancer.

Dr. has recommended starting with

1. Chemo (3mos, light regiment) + Herceptin (1 year).

2. Radiation for 3 weeks.

3. Hormone blockers for 5 years.

We are skeptical about the chemo part given the Dr. mentioned that the effectiveness of chemo to prevent recurrence of cancer in future is less than 5%. There are a lot of downsides of chemo and I also have latent tuberculosis; which makes me worry about it becoming active and complicating the matters.

Wanted some advice on possibly skipping the chemo regiment and only going with radiation and hormone blockers.

[Happyrosie]

I really and sincerely feel that this should be between you and your medical advisers, particularly as regards your past medical history.

If you were in the UK I would suggest you talk to the helpline at one of the cancer charities, though I’m unsure what you have in the US.

[4951]

hi rpanja sorry you are having to go through this journey

I agree with the other comment re you and your medical team should decide

But I just wanted to say I had pretty much the same diagnosis and treatment plan although mine was a grade 2

I am 10 years down the line and feel great

I wish you the best of luck xxx

[K-Tee]

Hello rpanja, I am sorry you are going through this. I had a very similar journey with my breast cancer 2 years ago. I agree with the others that the conversation about skipping parts of the treatment are between you and your Dr. That said, I was ready to jump in to the treatments as recommended to get it done and deal with whatever was going on in my body so I went with the Chemo for 3 months + herceptin for 1 year followed by the radiation. None of treatments affected me negatively. I did lose my hair with the Chemo which was not fun but it is super temporary and my hair came back curly and healthy. The side effects of the steriod they give before the infusion made falling asleep the night after my treatment particularly difficult. I work from home so was able to continue working through it all. It is a long journey when you are in it, but I can assure you that you will come through it and soon look back and have it behind you. You are stronger and more resilient than you ever imagined.