Does cancer treatment reduce the life span of Breast Cancer patients?

Question

I want to know more abount the treatment inrespect to radiation and chemotherapy.

Answer 1

You have a very contradictory question. The best short answer is that the cancer will kill you long before any Chemo or Radiation treatment.

Now for the long answer. Yes both Radiation and Chemo can affect the length of a normal life span. Aside from the normal acute side effects of the treatments (weight change, hair loss,fatigue, others) it can possibly damage some healthy cells and cause problems in the future. The good news is that are improving these treatments and they are less harmful now that they used to be.

My wife had breast cancer 25 years ago. She had a radical mastectomy and underwent Radiation and Chemo. The shielding for Radiation was not as good 25 years ago, nor was the actual radiation. They have learned to focus and narrow the Radiation along with better shielding. In my wife's case the radiation damaged her heart. She didn't have any heart desease, but she had a damaged heart. She had her Paracardium removed, one valve replaced and another repaired, along with a double bypass. The doctor described the tissue as though it were leather. In fact it had been partially cooked by the Radiation. While all of that sounds really bad, it wasn't. It saved her life. It allowed her to live another 25 years, help raise out two daughters and get to see all seven of our grandkids born.

Yes the treatment did effect her. First it saved her life and provided us with 44 wonderful years together.

Answer 2

Not treating breast cancer guarantees a decrease in life span.

In my experience, I have learned that when a breast tumor is determined to be cancer by a biopsy (the ONLY way to prove cancer), then the axillary lymph nodes are removed and biopsied (those nodes are in the armpits). That lymph node biopsy report determines the treatment of choice for the cancer.

If the original breast cancer is small, and completely removed, AND all the lymph nodes are clean of cancer, then the oncologist will recommend radiation therapy only of the area where the original cancer was found, to kill whatever cancer may have been left in the breast.

If, at any time, there is lymph node involvement, then that means the breast cancer has metastisized, or spread, to other parts of the body. Then more severe treatment of chemotherapy is recommended. The chemo is to try to kill any (let us imagine) loose cancer cells floating around the body, via the lymph tissue. Then radiation is done of the surgery area.

Depending on the woman's decision and the recommendation of the oncologist or surgeon, a masectomy (surgical removal of the breast) is called for. Usually radiation is not done. sometimes chemo is still recommended.

I have seen breast cancer survivors who have lived 10, 20, 30 and more years, with recommended therapies. Very few with breast cancer diagnosis live beyond 5-10 years, and it is a horrific death. :(

Answer 3

Not everyone has to go through chemotherapy. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) - essentially breast cancer that started in my milk ducts. My doctor had a test done on my tumor cells when I had my tumor excised when I had my lumpectomy. The test is called the Oncotype Assay DX. This test is done to determine how effective chemotherapy will be in treating the type of cancer that is involved. You can find more information about this testing through this website: http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/default.aspx

Long story short - after my oncologist reviewed my test results, it was determinted that if I went through chemotherapy treatment, my cure rate from having chemo would be only 2%. I decided that I would not have chemo as I decided that the detrimetal effects of chemo to my body was not worth a 2% cure rate - especially since it could take anywhere from 18 months to a few years for my body to recover from the chemotherapy drugs. I have a friend that had chemo and she sustained irreversible heart damage as a result of her chemo treatments.

After my first surgery, it was also discovered that I had a lot of pre-cancerous cells in my breast tissue - just waiting to grow into more tumors. My oncologist recommended a mastectomy and he cited that if I had that procedure, my cure rate would be 90%. Thankfully, during my surgery, they were able to get clean margins, so I did not need to go through radiation treatments.

So, I'm recovering from my surgery and feeling very blessed and lucky. Although I lost my breast, I have my life and I do not have to endure the lasting effects of chemo or radiation therapy. The only thing I need to do (besides having regular check-ups to make sure that my cancer does not recur) is take an oral medication, which is far better than having to go through the other treatments.

Answer 4

Depends on what stage the cancer is in and if it has spread to other organs. I had breast cancer 2 years ago, it was barely in stage 2 and mine is in remission and I am still here! Just because a person is diagnosed with breast cancer doesn't mean they are going to die! There will always be a chance that the cancer can come back, that is why I have a mammogram every 6 months and see my cancer Dr. every 6 months for the rest of my life. it also depends on the person and if they have the want to beat the cancer...I was determined I was not going to let it beat me! I have kids who still need me! Good luck to your mother and be strong for her!

Answer 5

No, treatment will increase life expectancy. The probability of remission will depend on what stage the cancer is when it is first diagnosed. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and the survival rates of each. It will (temporarily) reduce the quality of life, but that is a small price to pay for years more of life.

Answer 6

As far as chemo goes it's better than radiation therapy. Once the chemo is over your cell will regenerate and be healthy. But like ttpawpaw said radiation will burn the area that was radiated and it will never be the same. That area is burned for life. I had radiation therapy done 14 years ago and I am doing great. I give GOD the glory for that. With GOD all things are possible.

to ttpawpaw God bless you and I am so glad you were able to have the wonderful years you had with your wife.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

LOL! Did you read your own question? Treating a disease that would otherwise kill you is obviously going to increase your lifespan, silly!