Q: Pathological diagnosis after radical surgery: invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast with no metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes (0/11). Immunohistochemistry: ER(-) PR(-) CerbB-2(-). I heard that chemotherapy is very harmful to human body, can I skip chemotherapy and have other medication or herbal treatment to regulate it? Li Bili, Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University
A: Hello. According to your age, physiological function state and immunohistochemistry result, chemotherapy is needed.
In addition, your concern about the side effects of chemotherapy is unnecessary. The side effects of chemotherapy are much less than the therapeutic effects, that is, the killing effect on cancer cells is much greater than the physical discomfort during chemotherapy. The side effects of chemotherapy are transient, which are tolerated by the body and do not cause lifelong damage. Generally speaking, the side effects are short-lived and vary in severity from person to person, but they can also be without significant discomfort. The main symptoms are nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, etc., which are similar to early pregnancy reactions. Those with a sensitive body may experience varying degrees of vomiting and diarrhea. Although hair loss is relatively common, new hair will grow out soon and there is no need to worry too much. In addition, the doctor will take various measures to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, such as the use of other drugs, including drugs to enhance hematopoietic function. Chemotherapy can be combined with herbal treatment.
Diet should be appetizing, easy to digest, and high in vitamins. It is recommended to have a light diet, less greasy and no stimulating food. Take more rest and ensure enough sleep time to recover physical strength and relieve psychological stress. It is necessary to do some housework and light physical work appropriately. Diverting your attention by participating in outdoor activities, reading books or watching TV to relieve the psychological implication caused by side effects can, to a certain extent, reduce the psychological impact of side effects and help overcome the physical discomfort caused by chemotherapy.