Breast cancer

[tobyw]

My wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has had the lump removed. She is awaiting a meeting with the oncologist to decide on what course of treatment to pursue. The surgeon said thta the operation was a success and that the cancer had not spread to the glands or anywhere else. She recommended chemo therapy followed by 5 weeks of radiotherapy. We were not expecting the chemo therapy as the surgeon had said the lump was small (18mm) and that radiotherapy would suffice. She obviously changed her mind after the operation. She said it was an aggressive cancer and not treatable by drugs as for hormonal and gene cancers. She also said that chemo only offered a 6% chance of success. We are wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and could advise us if the chemo is worth the risk taking into account all the side effects.
My wfe was researching on the net and thinks it may be triple negative cancer (US term)
We would appreciate any advice.

[4getmenot]

I'd say its worth the risk, side effects or possibly a more progressive cancer?? I know which one I'd take

[looby1914]

I have no advice but wanted to send all my best wishes to yourself and your wife and hope she makes a full recovery very soon x

[4getmenot]

I know a little 10 year old boy who's having chemo as we speak. He's going to do everything to beat his cancer

[tobyw]

thanks for the advice and good wishes. My wife will almost certainly have the chemo. Some people have advised her to skip the chemo and have the radiotherapy. I was hoping to hear from people who may have had experience of a similar nature and how they fared.
Thanks

[rowanwitch]

I think if you check with the oncologist what they were trying to say is the chemo gives an additional 6% of protection over and above benefits gained from the radiotherapy...Every extra percentage counts...especially as it sounds like it was found and treated early but if it is an aggressive type. It might be enough to tip the odds very much in her favour.....I have worked within cancer services for over 7 years now and all I can say is with access to all the info available I would have the combined treatment without question....Take along all your questions when you see the oncologist and don't leave the consuiltation until you have all the answers you need.

[carmalee]

have had something similar - was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years back - had the op (not a masectomy - a wide incision lumpectomy ?sp) - the type of cancer was not hormone receptive therefore had to have chemotherapy in conjunction with radiotherapy. All in all in latested abouyt three months if I remember correctly but don't quote me on that. It wasn't much fun but have been absolutely fine since - went the five years and got the all clear and have had a couple of routine mammagrams since - all fine. The big difference is mine wasn't an aggressive cancer. I can just imagine what you are both going through and my advice is to get as much information as is possible from the oncologist, ask for a 2nd opinion then make your decision. Chin up and believe you can and will beat the wretched thing.

[237SJ]

I agree with carmalee (my mum had breast cancer a couple of years ago so went through everything with her) Every case is completely different but an extra 6% protection is not to be sniffed at. I would definitely ask the experts again for their opinion. Be careful about self-diagnosing the type of cancer from the internet. The oncologist would be able to tell you if you ask - you could phone him maybe.
Good luck

[237SJ]

By the way, there are lots of cancer support groups around where she can meet other people in a similar situation. Her breast care nurse should be able to point her in their direction

[sara3]

have a look here and see if you find anything helpful. you could also ring them for a chat.. http://www.macmillan....ast/Breastcancer.aspx

I wish your wife well x

[chas2008]

My wife went through this after a masectomy,we wrongly assumed ( not told otherwise) it wouldnt be needed after the op.So being told 6 sessions of chemo followed by 30 days of radiotherapy came as a bit of a shock...
There was no real issues with the radiotherapy other than the hassle of going every morning for 5 weeks, the radiotherapy unit was a round trip of 40 miles.
The chemo is another thing, lots of nasty side effects,she opted for what they called the cold cap, this helps prevent hair loss and to be honest it did work fairly well, it just extended the chemo sesion to 4hrs instead of 1+. I went with her to every session and it does appear to affect people differently, in my wifes case terific mood swings, some days i was the biggest a*se h*le ever !!.
Many people dont hear this side of it we know the wifes are going through hell but believe me the husbands(partners) go through there own hell. One of the things i tried to get my wife to do was to contact one of the breastcare support organisations so she could at least talk to someone whos been through it,she never did. Ended up searching the net and hearing stories from someone who knows someone which is so wrong, hear all sorts of missleading stories.

[tobyw]

Thanks all