Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Do I require chemotherapy

Age 62
I had a lumpectomy two weeks ago, margins were clear, grade 3 - tumour 2 cm.
They removed 15 lymph nodes, only one was cancerous.
Radiation is a definite, should I have chemo?
Very unsure what to do....
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
322973 tn?1239904438
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

With modern medical advances, especially effective anti-emetics, and growth factors (filgrastim), chemotherapy has become safer and more tolerable over the last decade or so.

Hair loss will be your major side effect, and some intermittent illnesses may also be expected during the course of chemotherapy. But your overall long-term benefit will be much more than these temporary effects.

All the Best!
Helpful - 1
322973 tn?1239904438
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
With a tumor of size 2 cm, there is no controversy - you must take chemotherapy. Also, you have a high grade tumor, and one axillary lymph node metastasis present. These are all additional reasons for you to take chemotherapy.
What is your ER, PR, and Her2Neu status? These will determine more clearly the exact chemotherapy you should get, and if necessary, targeted therapy with monoclonal antibody and hormones.
All the best, and God Bless!
Helpful - 1
322973 tn?1239904438
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
What did the test results show, and how did the meeting with the oncologist go?
Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for you comments, I am waiting for an appointment with a  medical oncologist.
When I was at my followup appointment with the surgeon on Monday the the estrogen receptor  report was not back from the pathology yet.
I am supposed to followup this Monday.
I guess I know inside that I require chemo, but it scares the **** out of me :)
Thanks again for report.
Jacquie
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Chemotherapy Forum

Popular Resources
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.