Hello I still dont know I went back for biopsy report and I have 2 differnt cancers in the one breast graded at stage 2 I am still awaiting my results on my her2 test if positive they want me to have chemo then a mastectomy but if its negitive then just the surgery where they will also test my lymph nodes, I want to avoid chemo until I have no other choice but to have it , its all alot to take in but it would be nice to know what other people think.

Hi Izzy. Sorry but my chemo was a nightmare, however my two friends hardly knew they were having theirs. It affects everyone differently, the point being that you get through it and if it helps in any way then it's worth it. Ask your oncologist as many questions as you like, make sure it's what YOU want. Xx

Hi Izzy,

There are a lot of myths out there about chemo - often based on family experience decades ago.

There are literally hundreds of types of chemo in use - all of which have different side effects, to differing degrees in different people. Two apparently similar people with similar cancers at the same stage can have completely different experiences. 

I was told that it was 99% certain that all my hair would fall out with the combination of the three chemos I was on. It didn't - which puzzled a lot of people in my chemo circle who assumed I was going in for my first cycle but I was actually on my final cycle.

Talk to your oncologist and ask what the survival rates are likely to be with and without chemo, then use that information to make an informed choice. It may be that in your circumstances there isn't a significant difference, but there might be a profound difference. No-one can tell without your full medical history and the results of your biopsies and scans.

My own choice was a simple one as surgery and radio therapy were ruled out as my cancer had grown around my aorta. I was given a zero chance of survival for 1 year without chemo and a 50% chance with chemo - but only 5% chance of making it past 5 years. I was lucky enough to respond well to chemo and 3 years on I'm still fit and well.

Best wishes
Dave 

Thankyou for your advice as so glad you are fit and well now.