Is Chemo necessary? |
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Taharadale 
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Joined: Mar 07 2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 11 |
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 Topic: Is Chemo necessary?Posted: Mar 07 2010 at 8:23pm |
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Hi,
I am new to this site and have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I am 53 years old with no history of breast cancer in my family. I have had a lumpectomy with clear margins and the sentinal nodes were clear. The cancer was stage 1 Grade 3. I have an appt with an oncologist tomorrow and I would be interested to know if others in my situation have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment.  |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Mar 07 2010 at 8:57pm |
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Hello! Our stories are similar. What size was your tumor? Chemo is almost always recommended for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It's the only thing in our arsenal to fight this aggressive bc.
Please feel free to post any questions you have. Someone is always willing to step in and offer advice or support. Here's a great brochure explaining tnbc: http://www.lbbc.org/data/media/LBBCunderstandtriplenegative.pdf Have you had your Vitamin D3 level checked? Most of us with bc have very low levels of D3. There's a good website explaining the importance of D3: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org I'd also recommend a good book called Anticancer: A new way of life by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber http://www.anticancerways.com |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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TNBC_in_NS
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Joined: Jul 26 2009 Location: NS Canada Status: Offline Points: 2028 |
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Posted: Mar 07 2010 at 9:11pm |
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Hi Taharadale and welcome to our site! Sorry you had to find us but you will find that all the members are very good at answering your questions as it related to themselves. We share our experiences and hopefully it helps others. There is so much of the unknown with TNBC but the more we learn the more we understand it.
We have a brochure here is the site: http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcbrochure.htm
In answer to your question about having chemo and radiation. Because triple negative is so aggressive, it is normal procedure to have both modalities. I am sure your oncologist will discuss this with you and when you get the information about what type of chemo they will use, post it here on where your first post it and you will have so much information because others will discuss what they were taking.
I had cyclophosphomide and Taxotere for 4 treatments and then 16 radiation treatments. I was Stage II, Grade III. Because there are no other treatments out there for us, we do not get to take tamoxofen for the 5 years after like the positive breast cancer patients can. Be strong and know that you are not alone anymore. We are here for each other.
Check out the other resources and tips when you get a chance. I am sure you will find that there is someone who has had the same diagnosis as you. We also have the spiritual forum if you are in need of prayer just check in there and we will be there. Take care, and all the best with your appointment tomorrow! Let us know how you are doing.
Helen in NS Canada
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Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear
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scared
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Joined: Nov 09 2009 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 224 |
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Posted: Mar 07 2010 at 9:55pm |
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Hello,
Lots of decisions to make concerning cancer care. So you are finding out from us who have gone through treatment. In our situation our oncologist recommended the treatment to have the BEST survival rate that she knew of. Doing everything she suggested gave us an 82% survival rate for a five year period, so you do what you have to to get the odds in your favor. Being TN besides surgery chemotherapy and radiation are the only weapons we have to fight it. When you eliminate chemotherapy then the odds go down, as it does when you eliminate radiation. So each person must find out all the information they can about their cancer. Breast cancer is so different for each patient and each patient must KNOW what their options are for their best chance of survival. So my best advice is to get all the information, weigh the consequences of your actions and then decide if you can live with your decision. As for us, we chose chemotherapy. You are different, and you must make your decision wisely because your life depends upon it. Wishing you the best and I am glad you found us, Dave
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Wife diagnosed 7/08 stage 2B 4.78cm with 3 nodes. 15 weeks of Adriamycin and Cytoxin, Mastectomy, 12 weeks of Taxol, and 6.5 weeks of radiation.
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Kerry OK
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Joined: Jan 17 2010 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 44 |
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Posted: Mar 07 2010 at 10:51pm |
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Hi Taharadale,
As with so many others, I am glad that you found this site for comfort in what you are going through. I am also 53 years old and a stage1 grade 3 TN with no cancer in my family. I was in your same situation on why should I do chemo if I had a lumpectomy and my nodes were clear. My first oncologist said since my cancer was so small that I should do radiation only. He was so concerned (since it was TN) that he did take my case to a local breast conference. Half of the oncologist said that they would offer me the option for chemo since it was TN. We went for a second opinion and he also said radiation only. In the meantime my 1st onc changed his mind after researching and he said to do chemo. I then had the opportunity to go to MD Anderson in Houston to a specialist. She was a wonderful doctor and she gave me the advice that I needed to hear. I am now fighting TNBC with all I can. I do not want this to ever come back. Good Luck in what you decide~it will be the hardest decision ever, but in your heart it will be the right one. You don't want to look back and ask yourself "what if..."
Knowing what you are about to face...
Best wishes,
Kerry
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DX 11/11/09, IDC, <.5cm, 0-2 Nodes, Stage I, Grade 3 TNBC, Lumpectomy 11/27/09, Age 53 Treatment begins 2/5/10, 12 wkly doses Taxol, 4 doses every 2 wks of A C Then 6 wks Rads
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kirby
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Joined: Oct 09 2007 Location: bay area,california Status: Offline Points: 1088 |
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Posted: Mar 08 2010 at 2:16am |
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I was told many years ago the reason I was having chemo was because of my age, the size of tumor and being pre menopausal. And that was before they knew what TN was.
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kirby
dx Feb. 2001. Age 44 Lumpectomy 2cm. no nodes stage 1 grade 3 4 rnds AC, 35 rads |
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Taharadale
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Joined: Mar 07 2010 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 11 |
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Posted: Mar 08 2010 at 4:04am |
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Thank you so much everyone t\For your wise words - It is so nice to find others in the same boat - especially you Kerry who it sounds haa much a similar journey to me!
 I will most definitely let you know what is suggested by the oncologist and the decision that I make.T
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caro36
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Joined: Oct 13 2008 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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Posted: Mar 08 2010 at 6:05am |
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Hi Taharadale,
Welcom to the forum, glad you found us, sad for the reason why.
Just to let you know. My tumor was only 6mm and chose to have chemo and rads. I too did not have any family history of BC but I did turn out to be BRCA1+. I don't want to freak you out. But I would recommend you talk to a genetic counsler.
In your corner.
Big hug, Caroline
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lumpectomy 9/2/08 6mm TN tumor
38 rads, 13 boost 6xTAC finished 04/10. BRCA1+ bill. mastectomy, imm. reconstruction using tissue exp 01/10 |
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Carol (Tenn)
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Joined: Aug 06 2009 Location: Paris,Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 2707 |
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Posted: Mar 08 2010 at 7:47am |
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Welcome Taharadale,
I am so happy you found us. I didn't find this wonderful site until after my treatment. I learned a lot here that I didn't know going in. I was one of those people who chose to be passive and not taking charge of myself. Surely God was watching out for me as I had the best treatment available for me.
My tumor was 2.0 Cm and underwent surgery, chemo and radiation and it still recurred. But that's me, not you. We are all different as stated earlier. That is why I recommend Chemo AND Radiation. TNBC has a nasty habit of hiding from treatment, so I would aim all my weapons at it and blast it with all that's available. Let us know how you are doing. We all care and you are not alone. As Helen mentioned we do have a Spiritual Support thread and we would come your visits there as well.
Love and Prayers,
Carol
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St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD
Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
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Joanie
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Posted: Mar 08 2010 at 11:38pm |
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I had a bilateral mastectomy for DCIS breast cancer in the right breast Feb. 4,2010. Lesion one is 0.4cm, lesion two was 0.3cm neg. sentinel nodes, grade 1 margins uninvolved, 3 lymph nodes-uninvolved- early microcalcifications no lumps. Triple-negitive cancer. I also wonder if Chemo is necessary? My oncologist left it up to me, i was not thrilled with that decision, but she explained thats all they have to offer for triple-neg. i am choosing not to have Chemo, but I am getting a second opinion, with a different oncology group. I live in San Diego, Calif. I would appreciate some feed back. There is no breast cancer in my mothers side of the family, biological father unknown. Thank You joanie
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 7:55am |
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Joanie,
I'd definitely get a second opinion. If possible, someone in your area who specializes in TNBC. Good luck and keep us posted on what you find out and your decision. Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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SusanE1104
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Joined: Jul 24 2009 Status: Offline Points: 436 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 8:19am |
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Hi Taharadale,
Welcome to our site. I know you'll find lots of good information and support here.
 Now, I have a question for everyone who has had both chemo and radiation. Where was the radiation directed? I was stage IV on diagnosis in Jan. 09....mets to the liver. I had a bilateral mast. and chemo...still on chemo. But no one has suggested radiation to me. Did you have radiation to the mets area? I think I read somwhere that radiation isn't given to the liver, so maybe that's the explanantion. Thanks for any input.
Susan
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Susan 62 1987 Stage 1 1/09 Stage IV bilat. mast. liver mets BRCA1+ Taxol & Avastin
8/09 NED 12/09 liver mets Taxol/Avastin 4/10 liver mets 11/22 Parp Car/gem parp failed 2/2011 Ixempra |
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Carol (Tenn)
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Joined: Aug 06 2009 Location: Paris,Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 2707 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 8:33am |
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Dear Susan
I wish I could help you with an answer but I can't. What I can do is encourage you
 , love you  and pray for you. God bless you everyday in your journey.Love and Prayers,
Carol
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St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD
Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 8:40am |
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Susan,
I have a friend who was dx with Stage IV to the liver. She was bc er/pr+. They only treated her with chemo, no radiation either. I hope this helps. Others may have more information. Donna |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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outnumbered
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 8:58am |
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Taharadale, I did not have chemo. My IDC was multi-foci largest 2mm. Let me just say that if I had it to do over again, I would have insisted on chemo. I was not given the option. I have not had a recurrence; however, I think my fear of it would be less if I had had the chemo. Sometimes I feel like a sitting duck. Also, I want to add, that I do not have a family history either and I turned out to be BRCA1+. Joanie, It is my understanding that they do not offer chemo for DCIS as it has not become invasive. Especially since you had a mastectomy and no additional IDC was found, you may be ok. I am not a doctor, so obviously do whatever your doctor says. But if they tell you no chemo, I would not get worried about it. This is a personal choice to make which is based on your understanding of your medical history. Gather as much information as you can. Do your research. Go to the best doctor you can find who is TN savvy. Get as many opinions as you need. Once you have all the information, try to make your decision based on science, not fear. Please know that we are with you no matter what path you take. You have found a network of sisters here, who will be here for you day and night. Best wishes! Edited by outnumbered - Mar 09 2010 at 9:11am |
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~Sara
DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08 Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09 BSO 9/3/09 NED since 08/05/2008 |
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123Donna
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Joined: Aug 24 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Status: Offline Points: 13510 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 9:07am |
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Joanie,
I have a friend who was dx with tnbc about a year before me. Her's was dcis, stage 0. She had a mastectomy due to a botched lumpectomy. The path report showed it in other lobular areas so that may mean she was multi-focused (I'm not a medical expert). They found some cells in the lymph node that wasn't cancerous but they couldn't identify them. Out of 5 oncologists, 2 recommended chemo, 2 didn't and one said she could go either way. In the end, she chose no chemo. She's 2 years past dx and no recurrence, but sometimes I think she worries more than I do. Please get the advice of as many tnbc experts that you can talk to about their recommended treatment plan. Good luck. |
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
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Sugar77
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Joined: Mar 09 2010 Location: Mississauga Status: Offline Points: 115 |
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 9:37am |
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Hi Taharadale,
I'm new to this site, too. Just joined this morning. Regarding chemo, my tumor was very small and I was surprised when it was offered to me. The choice was mine and in the end, I decided to go ahead so that I knew I had done everything available to me. I completed TC chemotherapy four weeks ago (Feb 8th) and will be starting radiation in the next couple of weeks. While chemo is no fun, it's doable and I tolerated it just fine. It wasn't as bad as I had envisioned. Good luck with your treatment. |
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DX IDC TNBC Oct. 27, 2009, age at diagnosis 45, Stage 1, Grade 3, <1 cm, 0/2 nodes, lumpectomy, Taxotere/CytoxanX4, finished Feb. 8, 2010, radiation completed Apr. 21, 2010.
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Joanie
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 11:21am |
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Donna, thank you so much for your response. It's helps to have others with TNBC. I have so many friends with hormone receptor positive BC, NONE with TNBC. I'm so glad my niece e-mailed me this site! Thank You Joanie
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Joanie
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 11:37am |
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Thank You Outnumbered, I was offered Chemo as a precaution, in case a tumor was lurking somewhere in my body! I'm scared of Chemo! I am getting a second opinion, but have full confidence in my San Diego Cancer Center and oncology. I have a friend thats a surgeon and she has referred me to an oncologist that she feels is the best, so I am going to see Him. The TNBC was in the right breast with slight invasion, stage 0 grade l, I chose to have a bilateral Mastectomy with reconstruction, I am 67yrs. I really appreciate that you replied so quickly. Thanks Joanie
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dmwolf
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Posted: Mar 09 2010 at 11:38am |
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The way I would decide is: if IDC<.4 cm, then no chemo. If 1cm>IDC>0.4cm, then TCx4. If IDC>1cm, the full chemo meal. No mastectomy unless BRCA+, radiation if lumpectomy.
-Denise |
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DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10.
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