Hi, Monica. I wanted to refuse chemo with Stage IIIa. I REALLY didn't want it. I had 4 positive lymph nodes, but my heart told me successful surgery took care of everything. Then one day, my son begged me (he was 36) to go ahead and have chemo. He was the one who said 'you don't want to have to look at us down the road and not have done everything possible'. His dad had died at 50 from cancer. The next day I called my Onc to set it up. No, it wasn't pleasant, but not nearly as bad as I had imagined it would be. Have you asked your Onc what the statistics are regarding recurrence whether you have chemo or not? That would be a good place to start. Having said that, if my Onc recommended chemo, I would do it. It's such a hard decision, and a very personal one. Just like lumpectomy vs mastectomy. I usually go with my gut. It hasn't failed me yet! Prayers for you in making your decision. Whatever it is, it will be right for you. HUGS
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