Topic: For or against chemotherapy

Posted on: Oct 19, 2009 04:50 pm

Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10

valiossifova wrote:

Hi, I'm 58 years old, just diagnosed with stage I breast CA. I had the lumpectomy which showed it was 1.1 cm, ER+, PR+, HER2-, no node involvement. My oncotype score came back as 13%. My one doctor advised me to go for chemotherapy, while the other said I would not have benefit from it. Is there anyone with similar experience? Thanks

Diagnosis: 3/30/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Posts 1 - 9 (9 total)
orange1 Chicago Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 512	Log in to post a reply Oct 19, 2009 04:58 pm orange1 wrote: Valiossifova - You have posted on Her2 positive forum, but from your diagnosis line, it appears as if you are Her2 negative. Chemo is almost automatic for tumors 0.5 cm or larger for Her2+, but definitely not clear for Her2 negative tumors. I suggest reposting your question on the IDC forum - you will get advice that is more relevant to your situation there. Good Luck Diagnosis: 8/2007, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
karyan57 Charleston, IL Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Log in to post a reply Oct 28, 2009 05:20 pm karyan57 wrote: I have the same question. I was told the recipe for me is TCH. What does that mean? Why chemo for stage 1? Kathy Diagnosis: 8/14/2009, <1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 3, 0/16 nodes, ER+, HER2+
CoolBreeze Sacramento Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 459	Log in to post a reply Oct 28, 2009 05:35 pm, edited Oct 28, 2009 05:38 PM by CoolBreeze CoolBreeze wrote: Karyan57, you are HER2+ which means you have a more aggressive form of cancer. Standard of care for you is going to be chemo and herceptin, even though you are only stage 1. TCH is the combination oof chemo drugs recommended for you. The OP though, I'm not sure why it's being recommended for her. With lumpectomy they might want to radiate but I'm not sure chemo is always necessary in that case. Discuss these questions with your doctors and get a second opinion if necessary. Ann's cancer blog. http://butdoctorihatepink.blogspot.com/ Diagnosis: 8/17/2009, IDC, 4cm, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
chainsawz Tucson, AZ Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 259	Log in to post a reply Oct 28, 2009 06:54 pm chainsawz wrote: Karyan57, TCH is taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin. Her2+ is aggressive and that is a very strong combo that has good results. I think some doctors chose this combo based on pathology & grade - They want a preemptive strike. I had clear nodes but I am not sure if they use that in determining treatment? Best to you!! lisa Lisa -mets to lungs & brain.....the weakest step toward the top of the hill, toward sunrise, toward hope, is stronger than the fiercest storm. Diagnosis: 7/21/2008, IDC, 3cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+
karyan57 Charleston, IL Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Log in to post a reply Oct 30, 2009 11:02 am karyan57 wrote: Is this treatment doable? I have 3 kids ages 8,11, and 13. I also perform as a violinist and hold a teaching position at a college. Do I need to clean my plate somewhat? Hair loss and fatigue seem to be common side affects. Kathy Diagnosis: 8/14/2009, <1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 3, 0/16 nodes, ER+, HER2+
karyan57 Charleston, IL Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Log in to post a reply Oct 30, 2009 11:08 am karyan57 wrote: Where are you at in your treatment? What side affects are you experiencing? How are you handling them? Kathy Diagnosis: 8/14/2009, <1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 3, 0/16 nodes, ER+, HER2+
karyan57 Charleston, IL Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 6	Log in to post a reply Oct 30, 2009 11:11 am, edited Oct 30, 2009 11:11 AM by karyan57 karyan57 wrote: This Post was deleted by karyan57.
AnneN St. Cloud, MN Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 140	Log in to post a reply Oct 30, 2009 11:31 am AnneN wrote: Kathy, I see you are in Illinois - I know you are a few hours from Chicago, but it might be worth the distance to you... There is an integrative cancer center in Evanston founded by Dr. Keith Block that uses a personalized program of diet, exercise, and other therapies to reduce the side effects of chemo and make chemo work better. One of the things he uses is "chronotherapy" - timing the chemo dosages to minimize side effects. He has a book out called "Life Over Cancer" and a website, lifeovercancer.com. I found out about it on this discussion board - these women are so wonderful! I am not on chemo yet because so far, hormonals are working for me. But if and when I get to the stage where I have to switch to chemo, I will definitely be making a trip to Evanston! The other thing I will look into at that point is using a cold cap to reduce or prevent hair loss. I have three young kids myself, ages 12, 8, and almost 6, so I know what you mean about "is this doable"? I hope you find the treatment strategy that's best for you and your family and keeps you around to see your grandbabies someday. Anne Tumor is shrinking - now 3.2 cm as of June MRI. Tamoxifen/Zoladex/Zometa/complementary supplements. Diagnosis: 3/20/2009, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IV, Grade 2, mets, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Warrior517 Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 203	Log in to post a reply Nov 6, 2009 11:07 pm Warrior517 wrote: It is doable...I was diagnosed last year at age of 39. I had the dbl mx w/reconstruction. I had 6 rounds of TCH and rads (in lymph nodes) and a year of herceptin. It truly is doable. You just need to slow down and make sure you listen to your body. I have three kids. At that time, they were 6,9 and 13. My youngest just never wanted to see me bald so I wore scarfs/wigs etc whenever he was around . Please feel free to PM with any questions!! Others helped me and its my time to pay it fwd! You can do this!! Diagnosis: 1/11/2008, IDC, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 2/6 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+

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