Decision Time

[Guest guest]

I need some input tonight. I saw my breast cancer dr this morning early. He explained to me a lot better about the risk of cancer returning....with surgery and radiation.....and then with and without Chemo. I am supposed to start chemo on Friday morning. However, I am being plagued with Shingles which has shown up again (I had it for three months about 18 months ago). So my two cancer doctors agreed that I should take acyclovir which is an anti virus tablet before the chemo starts. I have started it.

The decision is about chemo or not to have chemo......,.

BC doctor told me about the actual risk with and without chemo. With surgery and radiation my percentage of cure is 75%

But if I add chemo to that percentage it only goes up by 12.5% making it a total of 88%. But there is always a 12.5% chance I could get cancer back. Without chemo...75% With chemo 88%

Has anyone else had to make this difficult choice. I am taking a day to decide so I can sleep on it. My children seem to be o.k. whatever I decide. BC dr. said he was not disagreeing with the oncologist. And not recommending anything..... but he thought I should have a little more information.

I would rather have the radiation now and then chemo, if needed. But so far that choice has not been given to me.

I appreciate your help.

Janet

dcis Stage I

p.s. No cancer cells found in my sentinel lymph gland or in the surrounding blood cells. Biopsy of my left breast in Dec. turned out normal.