have chemo therapy or not
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Chemotherapy vs no chemotherapy question ❤️
I’m hoping to hear from women who had a diagnosis similar to mine and were faced with the decision of whether or not to do chemotherapy.
Age: 44
Peri-menopausal
My pathology after post lumpectomy and one sentinel lymph node removal and biopsy:
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
• 5.2 mm tumor (T1b)
• ER+ 97%
• PR+ 85%
• HER2-
• Clear margins
• Negative lymph node
• Oncotype DX score: 41
My oncologist is recommending chemotherapy before I do radiation and estrogen suppressing therapy(which I plan on doing for sure) based largely on my Oncotype score, and I am truly at a crossroads right now.
Part of me says, “Do everything possible to reduce the risk of recurrence.”
The other part of me struggles because chemotherapy is not a guarantee that cancer won’t come back. At the same time, it comes with very real risks and potential impacts on quality of life.
Some of my biggest concerns are:
• Long-term fatigue
• Cognitive changes/brain fog
• Neuropathy
• Immune system effects
• Not feeling like myself afterward
• How treatment could affect my ability to run my business and care for my family
I also have a lot happening this summer with moving my daughters into college, relocating our clinic, and other major life events. While I know those things aren’t more important than my health, they are factors I’m trying to weigh as I make this decision.
I should also mention that I personally take an integrative approach to my health. I believe conventional medicine and complementary therapies can work together. In addition to standard cancer care, I have incorporated therapies such as LDN, ivermectin, mebendazole, high dose vitamin C infusions, MAH with UBI (blood ozone), chelation therapy, supplements, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle interventions that I feel are important parts of my overall treatment plan.
I’m not looking to debate those choices. I understand not everyone agrees with them, and that’s okay. I simply ask that comments remain respectful and focused on sharing personal experiences regarding chemotherapy decisions.
For those who had a similar diagnosis and recommendation:
➡️ Did you choose chemotherapy or decline it?
➡️ What factors helped you make your decision?
➡️ If you did chemotherapy, how was your experience? Would you make the same decision again?
➡️ If you declined chemotherapy, what led you to that choice and do you have peace with that decision?
➡️ If you had a high Oncotype score, how much weight did you place on that result?
Please include your age, tumor size, lymph node status, hormone receptor status, Oncotype score (if known), and whether you’re pre- or post-menopausal.
I am not looking for anyone to tell me what to do. I know this is ultimately my decision. I’m simply trying to learn from women who have walked this road before me and understand how they navigated the same difficult choice.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective ❤️🙏🏽
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