[BettyP]

OK--I realize the sensitivity here and totally understand that many choose to rely totally on the info which the FDA and medical professionals dole out-- that is fine, but not what everyone else believes. I do not believe the original poster meant any harm; despite the fact that the article WAS NOT from Johns Hopkins, much of the information regarding cancer is deemed to be true by others. I personally would not take any information from any so-called reputable source and deem it to be true without further investigation--but then again, that is my nature and research is what I have historically been paid for.
This is not a simple matter by any means -- many of us have had to make life-altering decisions regardless and have had to use common sense and do our own research in order to better choose which treatment is best. It is foolish to rely solely on so-called "scientific" studies, which at best are biased and influenced by the corporations who manufacture many chemos, as well as the opinions of educated oncologists whose task is to educate us with all of the information they are taught, within their given guidelines. I do not fault them for what they present as true--they are only giving their opinions as well, and are only able to afford us information they are told within certain parameters (or else risk losing their licenses to practice); however, it would have been totally irresponsible for me to just take their word for everything.
Please note that I have first-hand experience with this, and God gave me a brain and common sense as well as the ability to weed out the nonsensical, and through His grace I was able to intelligently discuss my decision with the doctors. In my case, chemo would have been overkill and the cumulative effects devastating to say the least. Kudos for those of you who opted for chemo--God bless you! Many of my personal friends opted for chemo--many did not, and those who did not are living proof.
Have a great day all!

About me:
53 years young!
August, 2008: Mammogram, xrays, blood workup ordered by my internist. Referred to W&I Breast Health Center for further eval.
10/10/08: Core biopsy of right breast. T4 N1 Mx
ER+/PR+/HER2neu+
Bone scan and bone density: unremarkable, normal.
10/20/08: Breast MRI – confirmed 3 large tumors and several smaller.
10/27/08- CT Scan (abdomen, thorax, pelvis)
11/7/08: MRI - abdomen: 4.3x4.3x5.1 cm and 7x7x10 mm hepatic masses; now confirmed Stage 4
11/08/08: Tumor Markers: CEA = 60.2 CA 15-3 = 122
11/08/08: Mugo testing: heart is healthy
11/10/08: Meeting with onco and surgeon: Recommended usual protocol of chemo, mastectomy, etc.
11/20/08: Add'l meeting with onco and surgeon. I informed them I would not do chemo, but would however receive Herceptin alone every three weeks and take Arimidex daily.
12/01/08: Started Herceptin treatment and continue every three weeks.
12/08/08: Started daily Arimidex.
03/03/09: CT scan: All tumors diminished in size approx. 22%.
Tumor Markers: CEA = 41.2 CA 15-3 = 79