Recently, I had surgery and was told I will most likely have to take either Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy or Tamoxifen as a “Preventative Measure” against Breast Cancer reoccurrence. I had my reservations as I had lost a brother to Cancer/Chemotherapy in 2012. My brother Derrick, Rest In Heaven, had 39 cycles of Chemotherapy. He settled on taking the highest form of Chemotherapy and subsequently died two weeks later. It was and has been devastating to say the least. I, now faced with a major decision as to go ahead with treatment or forgo treatment, was numb with the gravity of my decision. I began my research of the pros and cons of Chemotherapy/Radiation therapy. I discovered the cons that yes, Chemotherapy does indeed eradicate any cells or all cells in body that carry cancer. However, once a patient is done with chemotherapy the chance of cancer returning may be diminished for a time but the side effects of the chemotherapy/radiation therapy diminishes their quality of life and length of life. One of those side effects being Heart failure or cardiac related illnesses. According to an article by American Heart Association, women are warned about the dangers of opting for Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy for the treatment of Breast Cancer. The AHA stated that Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy will weaken the heart causing cardiac related illnesses and/or Heart failure. This was startling to me. I was told I could possibly be given Chemo/Radiation treatment as a “Preventative Measure”. I elected to not choose Chemo/Radiation as I did not want to have the collateral damage of heart problems in my future. According to American Cancer Society, it is estimated about 3.3 million women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer worldwide. I wondered how many women were forced to have Chemotherapy/Radiation not knowing the fact that heart failure/cardiac problems may be a result. I have personally elected not to take on Chemotherapy/Radiation as “Preventative Measure.” I need my heart. Again, my disclaimer is not to deter ANYONE from electing whatever method of treatment they deem is necessary for the eradication of cancer. My post is to bring awareness to the negative effects that Chemotherapy/Radiation can have on your heart. Please do what you deem is necessary for YOU!. Know that there are great risks to this treatment and longterm damage to your heart. Know that Cancer treatment is big business. Spending on cancer medicines totaled $107 billion worldwide in 2015 and is projected to exceed $150 billion by 2020, reflecting adoption of newer, pricier therapies, according to a report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. Older medicines that patients have used long term, those medicines have received a price hike due to the number of people worldwide who are diagnosed with Cancer has grown astronomically. Cancer treatment is big business. I’m sure many patients like myself are offered or forced to take Chemo/Radiation as a “preventative measure.” Again, I don’t want to deter anyone from electing whatever cancer treatment they deem is necessary for their particular situation. This post is to bring awareness and understanding of the dangers involved in Chemotherapy/Radiation treatment. I elected not to partake in these treatments. I’ve elected a Plant based diet, Prayer/Meditation, Stress Management methods and annual Breast MRIs to keep a close eye on any reoccurance of Breast Cancer. My hope is that anyone dealing with a Breast Cancer diagnosis is that he/she elects will do copious amounts of research, weigh your options, prayer and seek a multitude of counsel before you elect Chemotherapy. Your life and your heart is depending on it.
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