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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Matthews, NC

I have ER/PR positive Her2 Negative BC
Had a bilateral mastectomy. 2 of 7 lymph nodes detected cancer and tumor is 5.2 cm which stages me at IIIa. I don't have oncotype results back yet
I will be doing radiation and likely chemo will be recommended but I haven't met with my medical oncologist yet
I really am on the fence about doing chemo due to all the side effects but obviously I know I'm taking a risk due to the lymph involvement.
I'm looking for feed back from people with similar diagnosis… read more

January 18, 2023
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had same diagnosis except for stage. I was 2, but my grade was 8/9 which meant it was growing fast. My onco surgeon had me start chemo- 4 rds of T/C. It shrunk my tumor from 2.4 to undetectable with manual exam. I had a lumpetomy with 3 nides taken. All margins and nodes negative. Did 33 rads with 5 being boosts. Am on letrozole now. Chemo is a personal decision but given that i have 5 grown kids, 22 grands and 9 greats, i just felt selfish not doing all i could to put this in NED. Im healthy again and thats worth everything!!! Havent had a post op mamo yet- that will make it or break it but im going to keep on fighting until my last breath, hopefully at 90 at least, like my Mamma. Just whatever you decide, be at peace with it and youll know you made the right choice. #71, 21@💕

January 18, 2023
MyBCTeam

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here are some key points to consider when making a decision about chemotherapy:

- Main Treatment for TNBC: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. It works by interfering with how cancer Show Full Answer

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here are some key points to consider when making a decision about chemotherapy:

- Main Treatment for TNBC: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. It works by interfering with how cancer cells replicate their DNA, grow, and divide, causing the cells to die and tumors to shrink.

- Administration Methods: Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously (IV) in hospitals and infusion centers or taken orally at home.

- Systemic Treatment: Unlike localized treatments like surgery and radiation, chemotherapy is systemic, meaning it travels throughout the bloodstream and body.

- Timing: Chemotherapy can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors, or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

- Combination of Drugs: Often, a combination of two or three chemotherapy drugs is used, tailored to the specific type and stage of breast cancer.

- Cycles of Treatment: Chemotherapy is administered in cycles of treatment and recovery, which can vary in length and frequency depending on the drugs used and how well the patient tolerates side effects.

- Preparation: Before starting chemotherapy, it is advisable to improve overall health by getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, avoiding stress, and getting a flu vaccine to help cope with side effects and avoid infections.

- Shared Decision-Making: It is important to work closely with your doctor to decide on the best treatment plan, considering your goals, concerns, and personal values.

- Monitoring and Adjustments: Your doctor will monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy through various tests and may adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

These points can help guide your decision-making process regarding chemotherapy for breast cancer.

July 11, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks Laura, unfortunately we can't really afford all the eggs freezing etc so it's just really sad to know I'll be done for good.

January 18, 2023
A MyBCTeam Member

A lot of great advice given here!
A few things to think about: lymph node involvement is concerning (your lymph nodes are the gateway for cancer to spread throughout your body, there is no way of knowing if some cells have already gotten out), tumor over 5 cm is very large. Onco type tests are all data and research based, they look at your chances to determine the likelihood of recurrence.
Not only have I had breast cancer, chemo, surgery and radiation, but I work as a nurse in a cancer center. It breaks our hearts when a patient declines treatment (chemo, radiation, endocrine etc) and comes back stage 4. I don’t want that for you!
You are young, and have little people who need you. If you want more kids, ask for a fertility referral. We have patients freeze eggs or embryos. There are options.
Yes chemo sucks, but it is doable, and it is temporary. Like others have said, there is so much medication support to manage the side effects. I never vomited once, I worked 3rd shift as an inpatient nurse, never called in once. I am TNBC, so I had chemo before surgery. When they did my surgery, no cancer, the chemo killed it. I am currently cancer free, and pray and hope to stay that way.
Maybe get a second opinion. That may help you decide, and feel good with your choice. I am not trying to scare, pressure or guilt you. It is a personal decision, and you have to do what is best for you!
Wishing the best for you, and hoping you find peace!

January 18, 2023
A MyBCTeam Member

Please know that the list of side effects is unnerving, for sure! BUT a lot of that is a legal, cover their back-ends strategy by the manufacturers. For most of us, chemo is not as bad as what we had anticipated. Not fun- but most common side effects are anticipated, and there are usually meds, or tips and tricks to minimize. If they recommend chemo, understand that the protocols are based on a combination of what works, and what most people can tolerate. If there is a side effect that really has you struggling, they can consider a change in the timing, dosage, or even a change in the drug itself. Some people start and find that for whatever reason, they cannot complete the protocols. That doesn't happen too often, most of the time, we find that we can get through it- it is temporary. It is amazing to find that there is a strength and resilience in us that we tap into that we didn't realize was there. Sending loads of hugs while you navigate all the information, and make the decisions that are right for you.

January 18, 2023

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