Newly diagnosed

[Fran2334]

I do not want chemo and HRT

[Jack2019]

Sorry you are facing this decision. Sending you a virtual hug.

[Fran2334 in reply to Jack2019]

Thank you. I am very scared of the side effects. I am 75 yrs old and I was healthy until this diagnosis. My husband is having short term memory loss and I have to take care of him. I do not want to be suffering all those side effects. I just want to take care of him and myself. I have stage 1 IDC grade 1 and I have agreed to short term radiation treatments.

[Jack2019 in reply to Fran2334]

I also had grade 1 stage 1, Her2 negative and no lymph nodes involved, so I only needed radiation and surgery to remove l the lump, Had it in 2018 in right and 2020 in left, same diagnosis and treatment. Are you her2 positive and/or are lymph nodes involved? I can't see why you need chemo.

[Niki_ in reply to Fran2334]

Have you heard of the Gerson therapy ? It’s a nutritional way to help support your body through cancer and help it fight cancer naturally ..it’s worth looking into💛

[Fran2334]

I am ER/PR+ and HER2-. My lesion was 1.3 cms with no SLNB or lymph node involvement.

My med onco is doing a oncotype test and the results should be available this Friday. Even if my score is >25, I don't want chemo. I will do the radiation but no chemo or HRT because of the side effects.

[Jack2019 in reply to Fran2334]

Hmm, I am guessing your doctor is advising for chemo based on size, mine was 1.4 but my doctor decided not to do the onco test because he said it didn't matter as I was cured in his mind. It seems that depending on where you live dictates what treatment is prescribed. After my second diagnosis I chose not to take the hormone therapy. It is very difficult to make a decision against standard care, but ultimately it is your choice.

[Fran2334 in reply to Jack2019]

Thanks for responding to me. When was your second diagnosis? Why did you choose not to take hormone therapy? My surgical onco says I am cured. My radiation onco says I need short term radiation and my med onco wanted to do the oncotype to see if I needed chemo.

[Jack2019 in reply to Fran2334]

My second diagnosis, in the opposite breast, was 18 months after the first, it was caught with a mammogram and was very small but invasive. I chose to not take hormone therapy because I took it every day since my first cancer and it didn't prevent the second so I was very confused and somewhat angry, but ultimately after a lot of discussion with my medical oncologist, and together using the Predict Risk tool, I decided against it . Like you , I was afraid of side effects, mostly thrombosis since I have had a previous heart attack.

breast.predict.nhs.uk/

[Burningrock in reply to Fran2334]

I am in your same age group with very similar dx two years ago. I have been on HRT (Anastrazole) for about a year and a half with minimal side effects. Everyone’s response to medication is different just as our fingerprints are different. To me, it’s worth trying the medication because it may offer protection so you can be around to take care of your husband.

Lynn

[Fran2334 in reply to Burningrock]

I don't think so. I can not afford to have mood swings/weight gain/hair loss/muscle pain and problems getting around. It is not for me at my age.

[Burningrock in reply to Fran2334]

I don’t have any of that. Occasional joint pain in my hand, but I take Claritin and it seems to help. But you need to do what you’re comfortable with. I was just adding my own response as you seemed to want to know what other people experienced. Good luck on your journey. 😊

[Hollykins in reply to Burningrock]

I believe Anastrozole is considered Hormone Therapy. HRT is Hormone Replacement Therapy (estrogen) which is not advised for estrogen-positive breast cancer. Confusing, I know.

[Burningrock in reply to Hollykins]

I am hormone positive. Anastrazole is prescribed as it actually inhibits production is estrogen. This is not HRT ( hormone replacement therapy) that is used during menopause to replace the loss of estrogen.

[mathematics]

Sorry to hear your news you sound as if you have a lot to deal with. You may not need chemo if you are grade 1 and no lymph nodes involved. I can understand how you feel at present. Hormone therapy is not pleasant as you do get side effects but they are doable Take care and hope things turn out OK for you

[DCCC_204]

Hi Fran. I feel for you. I’ve done two of four chemo treatments. Due to my onco score of 43 I was recommended to take chemo. My lump was 1.8 cm no lymph nodes stage one. I am finding that the chemo is affecting me by reducing my tolerance. After first one caught a flu likely from family. Had antibiotics to get over. After second chemo & playing it very quiet this time a week later still came down with an inflammation that’s taking almost two weeks to get over now. Thank goodness for my chemo Dr & nurses. ❤️ I have two more treatments to go but have delayed as my son is getting married July 30th. So August will be my last two. I am planning to play it very quiet for each & get through this. I selected to do the chemo because I am prone to lumps & feel if our medical system is prepared & recommending this for me I’m all in. I will get thru this. Albeit a bit more worn. Then radiation x 5 treatments & then recovery. It is definitely tough & I can absolutely understand choosing not to go thru this. Best of luck to you. Stay well.

[Fran2334 in reply to DCCC_204]

Thank you for the post. If I were a lot younger than I am and if my husband was not having memory issues I might consider chemo and HRT.

[mathematics]

So pleased you did not have to face chemo as your onco score was ok. Take care and look after yourself. I can understand your concerns with the hormone treatment, I had to take calcium tablets throughout and also had to have a bone scan to check my bones however I am a lot younger than you. Lots of love and thinking of you.

[Mary115]

Fran, I want to validate you in how and what you decide. We do the best we can according to our particular situations and deserve all the caretaking for ourselves which we can muster up as we are called upon to care for others. I hope you can find support for yourself .. Feeling for and with you.

[Fran2334 in reply to Mary115]

Thank you for your understanding. Not many people have supported me in my decision but I feel that is the right way for me to go.

[Mary115 in reply to Fran2334]

We do what we determine is correct and some of us may be fortunate to find an oncologist who helps us find other less intrusive alternatives too. I validate our decisions while still hoping and being open to alternatives if they come..Respecting you.

[Editor2023]

Look up ChrisBeatCancer.com for success stories