Any node-negatives decide against chemo?

Greetings from a newbie (dx. 12/1).

Anybody out there decide against chemo?

I was lucky to have a successful surgery on Dec. 11th. I had clean margins and no node involvement, although the tumor was 1mm from my chest wall -- scary! I'm meeting with a naturopath on Monday and a medical onc on Tuesday, and I'm really wavering on what I perceive to be the limited benefit of chemo (for me) versus the permanent damage to my body. Of course if I had node involvement, I would be singing a different tune!

Anyone else on the fence like me, or have already made this difficult decision? Anyone go with alternative therapies, i.e. drastic dietary/lifestyle changes, etc.?

Many thanks for your feedback.

Great Attitude....I have designated chemo as the best friend this body ever had, killing off any of the home invaders that remain lurking. 

Thank you guys for your honest opinions! I hope to hear from more...

I am a four year survivor, YAHOOO, who chose chemo.  I had four chemo (A/C) treatments and 36 radiation treatments and really was glad I made this choice.  I worked full time during both treatments, moved to a new house, (with the help of friends).  I tried to do all the right things; eat well, exercise and stay positive etc.  Since there is no treatment for me now, I don't regret doing the chem.  Bless you, I know you will make the right decision. 

Hi Caryn,

I'm really sorry to hear about your recurrence. And I appreciate your honesty with me. Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions?

1. With your original dx in 2003, did you have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy?

2. Did you have chemo/rad the first time? If so, what specifically?

3. How did you discover the recurrence? Was it during a checkup, or did you have physical symptoms?

Thank you!
Winkie

i have a rare cancer, triple neg, 1.6cm, clear sentinal node, less than 1cm from the chest wall, but not attached to the muscle facia. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I refused chemo  5 yrs and 5 months ago. Still am happy everyday with the decision i made for me. Because of other health problems in the past i knew i would not survive systemic poison.

Hi Winkie:  How are you doing.  Can you share with me your decision to tak or not to take chemo?  I am in your same situation.  Node negative Stage 1, Grade 3 TN....why can't I find non-chemo takers?

I had a similar diagnosis and was advised to have chemo, I suspect because of the Grade 3, which many of us 3Ns seem to have. All I would say is that it was not half as bad as I expected and my life was pretty normal on it. The hair loss is of course, very hard, but it will be back.

Thanks Kirby!  Iappreciate your response so very much!

Hi Colleen,

After about 150 hours of research, and having my pathology redone twice, I opted against chemo and chose a nutritional/lifestyle-change approach. I am currently 6 months out from diagnosis, so I can't really say whether it is successful or not yet! But I've lost 23 pounds, feel great, and look pretty spankin' in a bikini with my newly-reconstructed ta-tas.

Disclaimer: My approach is not for everyone, and I don't assume to be a medical professional nor am I qualified to give anyone medical advice -- or any advice for that matter!

That said, I recommend a book for you titled, "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips," by Kris Carr. And if you are interested in a very informative scientific article on triple neg, go to http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2242660

There is not much research on triple-negative yet, but this is a good article. When I had my pathology redone, I specifically asked the pathologist to look for central fibrosis and the presence of lymphocytic infiltrate. I also got tested for BRCA (negative). Once I completed my research, I felt I was in a good enough position to try an alternative approach to healing myself. If I'd been in a more dangerous sub-category, there is a good chance I would have opted for the chemo.

Chemo is a systemic approach that, I feel, has made many medical oncologists just damn lazy. (My medical onc had no clue why I was so interested in my pathology.) You could see 100 med. oncologists, and NONE of them will ever come out and tell you that you might not "need" chemo. That decision will have to come from you.

I know it's difficult, but don't be driven by fear. Chemo could cure you or kill you. But you could step out your door and get hit by a bread truck too. Do your research. Spend some time alone. And then do what feels right in your heart.

All the best,
Winkie