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There is no easy answer to your question - most of the research shows that for node negative, stage 1 - with strong er + and/or pr+ can either do chemo w/ herceptain or treat it hormonally by ablating the ovaries and then using either arimidex or one of the other anti estrogen drugs. The studies eve with Her2 factored in comes out close to equal.
After speaking with numerous oncs ay major cancer institutions, I have decided to do the ovary ablation, arimidex and adjuvent herceptain w/out chemo. There are currently studies underway to determine in node negative women whether chemo is right. they are not sure if the "chemo" works b/c it shuts down the ovaries anyway or b/c of its own.
It is a really tough call. For me b/c I am strongly er and pr+ I have made my choice. Its is scary no matter how you look at it. As my oncologist said no matter what we do there is no guarantee this willnot come back, you could do nothing and it could not come back, or we could hit it with everythign and it could come back.
I statred tamoxifen on oct. 19 and have already noticed a huge chnage in by breasts. Docs were really surprised how fast it worked - but still not enough for my comfort level.
Hope this helps
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