I have had that question running through my mind for months now. When I found out I had cancer, I opted for a double mastectomy. After the surgery I was told they got it all and it had not spread into the lymph nodes. The dr's still wanted me to do chemo, but I decided against it. My thought was . . . they have told me they got everything out and there MIGHT be a SLIM POSSIBLE chance that there could be one rough cell floating around somewhere in my body. It seemed like too much to put my body through for such a small slim chance.
All that to say, I did not do chemo, instead I am taking a med for 5 years that is suppose to help block the hormones that they think caused the cancer. It's a hormone blocker . . . I am now trying to decide if this is something I really want to take for 5-10 years or not. It is messing with my body. Sure, not the same as cancer did, or as chemo would but it is none the less. Hot flashes constantly, not sleeping, weight gain, moods that are crazy, and just the overall feeling of blah.
I just don't know. This is the only thing I am doing to "keep the cancer at bay" but it still does not mean it wont come back. However, if I stop taking it, and the cancer does come back, will that thought of "if i had only kept taking the meds" creep back into my head.
My mind is spinning and I don't know if I will ever get to a final decision about it. Anyone out there been through this?
1 comment:
I haven't, Lizzy, but my best friend is almost finished with her five year course. She too opted for a double mastectomy at the age of 40 and hasn't looked back. She's undergone three reconstructive surgeries and battled the effects of the Tamoxafin.. Is it something she would have chosen to go through? No. But given the options of going through those side effects compared to chemo and radiation--hell, yes! If you need some support and someone to share their experience, I know she would love to be a sounding board and share her experiences. Hang in there, girl--keep fighting--you are WAY tougher than that stupid disease!!! Love you!!!
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