chemo or not?

[kayjee]

I am a 51 year old female that was diagnosed with stage 2 ductal carcinoma.  I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy.  The lymph nodes came back clear, no cancer.  I have had all the MRI's and CAT scans and am cancer free.  They are recommending chemo for 3 months and radiation, but it is my choice.  Why would I choose chemo and damage the good cells I have?

[BettyP02911]

A little about me:

August, 2008:  Mammogram, xrays, blood workup ordered by my internist. Referred to W&I Breast Health Center for further eval.
10/10/08: Core biopsy of right breast.  T4 N1 M
ER+/PR+/HER2neu+
Bone scan and bone density: unremarkable, normal.
10/20/08: Breast MRI – confirmed 3 large tumors and several smaller.
10/27/08- CT Scan (abdomen, thoriax, pelvis)
11/7/08:  MRI - abdomen: 4.3x4.3x5.1 cm and 7x7x10 mm hepatic masses;
now confirmed Stage 4
11/08/08: Tumor Markers:  CEA = 60.2    CA 15-3 = 122
11/08/08: Mugo testing: heart is healthy
11/10/08: Meeting with onco and surgeon:  Recommended usual protocol of chemo, mastectomy, etc.
11/20/08: Add'l meeting with onco and surgeon.  I informed them I would not do chemo, but would however receive Herceptin alone every three weeks and take Arimidex daily.
12/01/08:  Started Herceptin treatment and continue every three weeks.
12/08/08:  Started daily Arimidex.  
03/03/09:  CT scan:  All tumors diminished in size approx. 22%.
           Tumor Markers:  CEA = 41.2    CA 15-3 = 79

[often]

I was stage 2 by size only (2.1cm) and the general rule at that time (6 years) was anything over 2 cm, chemo.  However, I did not have mastectomy.  Have you discussed with the oncologist as to why they are recommending?