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For a different perspective, I was postmenopausal when dx, node negative, triple positive, 1.3 cm combined DCIS/IDC, with a Ki-67 (proliferation factor) of 11 (this last was considered borderline for positive, which, at my testing lab, was 10). The reading I did indicated that post meno, ER+ patients derived the least benefit from chemotherapy. I determined that I was not going to do chemo, and initially wasn't keen on Herceptin because I feared heart damage. My onc persuaded me to have Herceptin, and said he was willing to treat me with Herceptin without chemo. He said I wasn't the first patient in his practice to refuse cytotoxic drugs, though there aren't many of us around. I think it unnerved him some, but he has held it together, and so have I. I also had rads and am currently on an AI, which he would like me to have for 5 years. At the last visit a few weeks ago, he said if the arthralgia side effects got too severe, he would reccomend stopping the AI early.
My oncologist left hospital practice 20 years ago to start his own private practice, because he wanted to be freed from hospital protocols, etc. He believes there is art as well as science to medicine. He is highly intelligent, compassionate and very well respected; his alma mater in MO last year named a building for him. There are docs like him out there, though they may be difficult to find. I was lucky that he is a good friend of a good friend of mine,an internist who helped me find both my surgeon and my onc.
I do feel for you, Snufi, and hope you find what you are looking for. Best of luck to you with whatever treatment you undertake.
Hopeful
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