I had 9 rounds of Chemo before my bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma. It was brutal. Chemo can be extremely powerful against cancer and it most definitely cause severe side effects. I am now dealing with serious neuropathy, heart and thyroid issues. Chemo was the only drug to get me in remission and even though I'm grateful, it has come at a high price.
Thank you for sharing your story. Chemotherapy for multiple myeloma is really tough. Neuropathy, heart, and thyroid issues are tough to manage, and we hope your care team is helping you navigate these challenges. You’ve been through so much, and your resilience is evident.
I look forward to the video on resistance. I had four rounds of EC chemo for ER+/her2+IDC. It made zero difference to my 24mm tumour apart from delaying my surgery for 6months in which time lvi set in. I wish I had been offered surgery first. If I had agreed to 12rounds of paxlitaxol after the EC my wait for surgery would have been at least nine months in total. Oncologists just follow protocols but one size does not fit all. Thank you Dr Griggs for your honesty in this video. It makes a refreshing change. X
Your experience underscores how complex treatment decisions can be, and you’re absolutely right, one size doesn’t fit all. It’s frustrating when protocols don’t align with your specific situation, and I’m so sorry this delay caused additional challenges. Sharing your story helps highlight the importance of individualized care, and we truly admire your resilience in navigating this. Wishing you strength and healing as you continue forward. Thank you for your thoughtful comment and stay tuned for our upcoming video on resistance!
You’re absolutely right. This video wasn’t intended to dismiss the important impact chemo has on quality of life but to clarify misconceptions about whether chemotherapy itself is fatal. We know it’s a double-edged sword-saving lives while causing challenges.
In the video, you mention that questions would be answered, but I haven’t seen any responses yet. I also noticed there are several questions in the comments that don’t appear to have received a reply from your team. I’d really appreciate these updates-thank you!
This is one Dr.s response to chemotherapy. I suggest you do your own homework and truly investigate different studies including those of naturopathy physicians. During my grandsons battle with kidney cancer at age 2 1/2, we learned that we could not refuse chemotherapy for alternative methods or the state would remove him from his home. Years later, I was diagnosed with an aggressive uterine cancer. Against my Dr.s better judgement I chose not to use chemotherapy or any modern aggressive therapy. It's been 13 years and here I am alive and thriving. I tell my story to anyone wanting to know if there are alternative methods to treating cancer successfully. During the course of 13 years I have met many cancer patients who've overcome cancer without chemo. Why don't Dr.s encourage patients to explore alternative methods so they can choose for themselves?
Thank you for this very informative video. I was reluctant to have chemotherapy. Fortunately I did agreed to the two rounds of chemo I received. The chemotherapy worked wonderfully. Unfortunately two years out from therapy I am left with residual effects of chemo. I don’t know if these side effects will diminish or not, but, I am extremely happy that I did undergo chemo. This therapy added years to my life I’m sure.
Hi Helen. Im sorry you're going through this. Not fun. Someone recently diagnosed was asking about my experience and being 18 months past chemo I said that I wish I could tell my past self to not be so afraid. No one wants to go through this but chemo wasn't as bad as I expected. Steroids and anti nausea drugs work. I did have some pain in my legs every time I got Taxol. My advice is to tell your medical team anything that feels wrong. Often they know how to manage it. I found it helpful to keep a pain/symptom diary and rate my pain. Then you can go back and see how long it took to get better and you can show your doctor if needed. Also my insurance assigned me a chemo nurse who would call and check on me periodically. I urge you to take advantage of any kind of program like that. Sending love and strength to you!
@@HelenKerins I don’t mind sharing, but I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from going through chemo. My side effects include, fatigue, neuropathy in hands and feet, dry skin and mucus membranes, and sense of taste has not fully returned. My oncology team stresses that these side effects may still improve. I want to stress that these side effects are livable! I’m able to do everything I want to do. I walk an hour every day and take exercise classes. If I hadn’t agreed to chemotherapy, I would be living with a huge question mark over my head, wondering if I had made the right decision.
You’re not alone in navigating these residual effects, and we truly hope you have access to supportive care to help manage them. Your story is a reminder of the balance between fighting cancer and maintaining quality of life.
@louisereinhart1149 thank you for sharing. I also have residual effects but like you, I would never discourage someone from getting chemo. It works. I'm still alive with no evidence of cancer 2.5 yrs since diagnosis. I think it is helpful to remember that you hear bad stories on the internet but in reality the majority of patients don't post their good stories bc they just go on living their lives. I know every case/person is unique and bad things happen sometimes but I don't regret getting chemo.
I look forward to the video on resistance. I was diagnosed with TNBC end 2020. I started with chemo with the hope to shrink the tumour and have a lumpectomy. Unfortunately my tumour was chemo resistant which couldn't have been foreseen but it's hard knowing that I endured the side effects of chemo for nothing. Although it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes. I am back to my normal self, apart from some fatigue and my veins in my arms have never fully recovered but minor issues.
Thank you for sharing your experience. While chemo resistance can feel discouraging, it’s so positive that your lymph nodes were clear and you’ve been able to recover so well. Sending you strength as you continue navigating this journey, and we hope our upcoming video on resistance will be helpful!
Having fair skin and growing up in Florida, I have long been treated by a dermatologist for sun damage and pre-cancerous spots. During my chemotherapy treatment, I noticed that many previously undetected spots suddenly became visible on my arms and hands. It seemed as if the treatment triggered or accelerated their appearance. Have you heard of this happening before? Do you believe it could be related to my chemotherapy? To me, it makes sense that it would be connected.
What about the situation when the Ki67 cell proliferation index is low? Below 10%, or even 5-6%? Is it worth introducing chemotherapy in such cases, considering that it primarily targets rapidly dividing cells? I specifically mean luminal A breast cancer. Would administering CDK 4/6 inhibitors instead of chemotherapy be acceptable in some cases?
Based on the other features of the tumor, it is possible that chemotherapy can be omitted. The tumor would need to be hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative to be considered "low risk."
@@yerbba Thank you for the information. Yes, I meant the situation as you describe: Her 2negative E and P positive , G1 or G2 but, for example, 4 lymph nodes involved. Is it still the rule to administer chemotherapy just because the number of nodes is 4 or more? Polyferation is still low, don't we delay the time for more effective treatment by giving chemotherapy? Is chemotherapy standard in such a situation or are there other methods of treatment due to low susceptibility to chemotherapy?
Sorry to use this video to make contact. I’m a 77yr female who had a very small breast tumour and three lymph nodes removed 6 weeks ago. Please can you make a video about after op bruising. I’m getting worried as the bruise on the lower part and underneath the breast is still a dark purple and quite a large area and doesn’t seem to be getting better. There aren’t any videos anywhere that cover what to expect and what is a reasonable time frame for normal for breast bruising. Thank you, Pauline.
Dr. Griggs, can you answer the question why Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab are still combined with Carboplatin and Paclitaxcel and not given as a sole treatment without chemo for HER2+ tumors?
Dear Monique, I had Trastuzumab without Paclitaxel because I refused the Paclitaxol both before and after surgery. oncologist in all conscience could not deny me Trastuzumab for her2+ but I was denied Phesgo without Paclitaxol because they are only licensed to be given together. I was also denied Kadcyla because of refusing Paclitaxol. I ended up on a treatment path with only my name on it. This is in the uk.
Great question. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are highly effective targeted therapies for HER2+ tumors, but studies have shown that combining them with chemotherapy improves outcomes, especially in aggressive or high-risk cases. Given without chemotherapy, only 1 in 5 people will have a benefit. The chemotherapy helps eliminate cancer cells more broadly, while the targeted therapies focus on HER2 receptors
Chemo is one of the hardest battles anyone can face, it’s both physically and emotionally draining. Your words capture that reality, and it’s okay to feel the weight of it. Thank you for being part of our community.
Im finding Hormone inhibitors harder to cope with,rather than the chemotherapy, im praying that Exemestane isnt going to give me long term side effects
Hormone inhibitors can be tough to tolerate, you're not alone in feeling this way. It’s important to share these concerns with your care team, as they might have options to help manage side effects or discuss alternative treatments if necessary. Wishing you relief and hoping exemestane is easier for you long-term.
Dr how can i manage body itchiness due Taxel, i have to be in blankets all the time,any coldness on my body then it's start's to itch badly.please help
This sounds very uncomfortable and we wish you weren't dealing with this. Taxane-related itchiness can sometimes be managed with antihistamines or topical treatments, but it’s crucial to talk to your oncologist to find a solution for you. Hoping you find some relief soon!
Chemotherapy weakens the immune system by lowering white blood cell counts, which increases the risk of infections. Even minor infections can become serious when your immune defenses are down. Hospitalization allows for close monitoring, antibiotics, and supportive care to help your body fight the infection safely. It’s a common but challenging aspect of treatment, wishing you a smooth recovery.
Great question! DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is considered non-invasive, meaning it hasn’t spread beyond the milk ducts. Chemotherapy is typically used for invasive cancers where there’s a risk of spread to other parts of the body. The cells in DCIS are not dividing enough to be vulnerable to chemotherapy. Treatments like surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are usually sufficient for DCIS since the cancer is localized.
I had 9 rounds of Chemo before my bone marrow transplant for multiple myeloma. It was brutal. Chemo can be extremely powerful against cancer and it most definitely cause severe side effects. I am now dealing with serious neuropathy, heart and thyroid issues. Chemo was the only drug to get me in remission and even though I'm grateful, it has come at a high price.
Thank you for sharing your story. Chemotherapy for multiple myeloma is really tough. Neuropathy, heart, and thyroid issues are tough to manage, and we hope your care team is helping you navigate these challenges. You’ve been through so much, and your resilience is evident.
I look forward to the video on resistance. I had four rounds of EC chemo for ER+/her2+IDC. It made zero difference to my 24mm tumour apart from delaying my surgery for 6months in which time lvi set in. I wish I had been offered surgery first. If I had agreed to 12rounds of paxlitaxol after the EC my wait for surgery would have been at least nine months in total. Oncologists just follow protocols but one size does not fit all. Thank you Dr Griggs for your honesty in this video. It makes a refreshing change. X
Nice abbreviations .
Your experience underscores how complex treatment decisions can be, and you’re absolutely right, one size doesn’t fit all. It’s frustrating when protocols don’t align with your specific situation, and I’m so sorry this delay caused additional challenges. Sharing your story helps highlight the importance of individualized care, and we truly admire your resilience in navigating this. Wishing you strength and healing as you continue forward. Thank you for your thoughtful comment and stay tuned for our upcoming video on resistance!
It’s not only if we live or die, it’s also about the quality of life we have After chemo!
You’re absolutely right. This video wasn’t intended to dismiss the important impact chemo has on quality of life but to clarify misconceptions about whether chemotherapy itself is fatal. We know it’s a double-edged sword-saving lives while causing challenges.
Truth❤
In the video, you mention that questions would be answered, but I haven’t seen any responses yet. I also noticed there are several questions in the comments that don’t appear to have received a reply from your team. I’d really appreciate these updates-thank you!
This is one Dr.s response to chemotherapy. I suggest you do your own homework and truly investigate different studies including those of naturopathy physicians. During my grandsons battle with kidney cancer at age 2 1/2, we learned that we could not refuse chemotherapy for alternative methods or the state would remove him from his home. Years later, I was diagnosed with an aggressive uterine cancer. Against my Dr.s better judgement I chose not to use chemotherapy or any modern aggressive therapy. It's been 13 years and here I am alive and thriving. I tell my story to anyone wanting to know if there are alternative methods to treating cancer successfully. During the course of 13 years I have met many cancer patients who've overcome cancer without chemo. Why don't Dr.s encourage patients to explore alternative methods so they can choose for themselves?
Please can you tell us what you did?
Thank God for chemo! It took care of my breast cancer and Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma !!
That’s incredible! Chemo can be tough, but hearing success stories like yours is so encouraging. Thank you for being part of the Yerbba community.
Thank you for this very informative video. I was reluctant to have chemotherapy. Fortunately I did agreed to the two rounds of chemo I received. The chemotherapy worked wonderfully. Unfortunately two years out from therapy I am left with residual effects of chemo. I don’t know if these side effects will diminish or not, but, I am extremely happy that I did undergo chemo. This therapy added years to my life I’m sure.
Thank you for sharing this. Would you mind sharing what the residual side effects are? I might have to undergo chemo and am curious. Thanks ❤
Hi Helen. Im sorry you're going through this. Not fun. Someone recently diagnosed was asking about my experience and being 18 months past chemo I said that I wish I could tell my past self to not be so afraid. No one wants to go through this but chemo wasn't as bad as I expected. Steroids and anti nausea drugs work. I did have some pain in my legs every time I got Taxol. My advice is to tell your medical team anything that feels wrong. Often they know how to manage it. I found it helpful to keep a pain/symptom diary and rate my pain. Then you can go back and see how long it took to get better and you can show your doctor if needed. Also my insurance assigned me a chemo nurse who would call and check on me periodically. I urge you to take advantage of any kind of program like that. Sending love and strength to you!
@@HelenKerins I don’t mind sharing, but I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from going through chemo. My side effects include, fatigue, neuropathy in hands and feet, dry skin and mucus membranes, and sense of taste has not fully returned. My oncology team stresses that these side effects may still improve. I want to stress that these side effects are livable! I’m able to do everything I want to do. I walk an hour every day and take exercise classes. If I hadn’t agreed to chemotherapy, I would be living with a huge question mark over my head, wondering if I had made the right decision.
You’re not alone in navigating these residual effects, and we truly hope you have access to supportive care to help manage them. Your story is a reminder of the balance between fighting cancer and maintaining quality of life.
@louisereinhart1149 thank you for sharing. I also have residual effects but like you, I would never discourage someone from getting chemo. It works. I'm still alive with no evidence of cancer 2.5 yrs since diagnosis. I think it is helpful to remember that you hear bad stories on the internet but in reality the majority of patients don't post their good stories bc they just go on living their lives. I know every case/person is unique and bad things happen sometimes but I don't regret getting chemo.
Thank you, Dr Griggs, for your informative webinar.
Thank you for tuning in!
I look forward to the video on resistance. I was diagnosed with TNBC end 2020. I started with chemo with the hope to shrink the tumour and have a lumpectomy. Unfortunately my tumour was chemo resistant which couldn't have been foreseen but it's hard knowing that I endured the side effects of chemo for nothing. Although it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes. I am back to my normal self, apart from some fatigue and my veins in my arms have never fully recovered but minor issues.
Thank you for sharing your experience. While chemo resistance can feel discouraging, it’s so positive that your lymph nodes were clear and you’ve been able to recover so well. Sending you strength as you continue navigating this journey, and we hope our upcoming video on resistance will be helpful!
Having fair skin and growing up in Florida, I have long been treated by a dermatologist for sun damage and pre-cancerous spots. During my chemotherapy treatment, I noticed that many previously undetected spots suddenly became visible on my arms and hands. It seemed as if the treatment triggered or accelerated their appearance. Have you heard of this happening before? Do you believe it could be related to my chemotherapy? To me, it makes sense that it would be connected.
What about the situation when the Ki67 cell proliferation index is low? Below 10%, or even 5-6%? Is it worth introducing chemotherapy in such cases, considering that it primarily targets rapidly dividing cells? I specifically mean luminal A breast cancer. Would administering CDK 4/6 inhibitors instead of chemotherapy be acceptable in some cases?
Based on the other features of the tumor, it is possible that chemotherapy can be omitted. The tumor would need to be hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative to be considered "low risk."
@@yerbba Thank you for the information. Yes, I meant the situation as you describe: Her 2negative E and P positive , G1 or G2 but, for example, 4 lymph nodes involved. Is it still the rule to administer chemotherapy just because the number of nodes is 4 or more? Polyferation is still low, don't we delay the time for more effective treatment by giving chemotherapy? Is chemotherapy standard in such a situation or are there other methods of treatment due to low susceptibility to chemotherapy?
Sorry to use this video to make contact. I’m a 77yr female who had a very small breast tumour and three lymph nodes removed 6 weeks ago. Please can you make a video about after op bruising. I’m getting worried as the bruise on the lower part and underneath the breast is still a dark purple and quite a large area and doesn’t seem to be getting better. There aren’t any videos anywhere that cover what to expect and what is a reasonable time frame for normal for breast bruising. Thank you, Pauline.
Thank you ❤
We appreciate your support.
Dr. Griggs, can you answer the question why Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab are still combined with Carboplatin and Paclitaxcel and not given as a sole treatment without chemo for HER2+ tumors?
Dear Monique, I had Trastuzumab without Paclitaxel because I refused the Paclitaxol both before and after surgery. oncologist in all conscience could not deny me Trastuzumab for her2+ but I was denied Phesgo without Paclitaxol because they are only licensed to be given together. I was also denied Kadcyla because of refusing Paclitaxol. I ended up on a treatment path with only my name on it. This is in the uk.
Great question. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are highly effective targeted therapies for HER2+ tumors, but studies have shown that combining them with chemotherapy improves outcomes, especially in aggressive or high-risk cases. Given without chemotherapy, only 1 in 5 people will have a benefit. The chemotherapy helps eliminate cancer cells more broadly, while the targeted therapies focus on HER2 receptors
@ thank you so much for your answer. It is really helpful!
It savagely takes over your body and your life for many, many days.
Chemo is one of the hardest battles anyone can face, it’s both physically and emotionally draining. Your words capture that reality, and it’s okay to feel the weight of it. Thank you for being part of our community.
Im finding Hormone inhibitors harder to cope with,rather than the chemotherapy, im praying that Exemestane isnt going to give me long term side effects
Hormone inhibitors can be tough to tolerate, you're not alone in feeling this way. It’s important to share these concerns with your care team, as they might have options to help manage side effects or discuss alternative treatments if necessary. Wishing you relief and hoping exemestane is easier for you long-term.
@yerbba thanks for Reply, really appreciate your time ,so lucky to have all this help and Advice, sad that wasn't the case years ago 😢
What if someone has low oncotype score ?
Dr how can i manage body itchiness due Taxel, i have to be in blankets all the time,any coldness on my body then it's start's to itch badly.please help
Hai,
For the side effects of chemotherapy and of radiation I used Homoeo medicine in India .I suggest to you same
This sounds very uncomfortable and we wish you weren't dealing with this. Taxane-related itchiness can sometimes be managed with antihistamines or topical treatments, but it’s crucial to talk to your oncologist to find a solution for you. Hoping you find some relief soon!
I was under chemo and i develop an infection and was put in the hospital why was that ?
Chemotherapy weakens the immune system by lowering white blood cell counts, which increases the risk of infections. Even minor infections can become serious when your immune defenses are down. Hospitalization allows for close monitoring, antibiotics, and supportive care to help your body fight the infection safely. It’s a common but challenging aspect of treatment, wishing you a smooth recovery.
Why does Chemo not work on DCIS
Great question! DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is considered non-invasive, meaning it hasn’t spread beyond the milk ducts. Chemotherapy is typically used for invasive cancers where there’s a risk of spread to other parts of the body. The cells in DCIS are not dividing enough to be vulnerable to chemotherapy. Treatments like surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are usually sufficient for DCIS since the cancer is localized.