Chemo first and surgery after
I’m 47, single and no child. Diagnosed on 31 May 2023 with early breast cancer, ER+ PR+ HER2-, Stage3, large tumor 8cm, 1lymph node involvement , referred to Peter Mac Cancer Center, and recommended ...
Forum Discussion
Hi @JuneXie,
Sorry you are going through this situation. I hope you have some good family and friends supporting you. I was not exactly in the same situation as you but it is common for chemo to be done first to shrink a tumor and kill any roaming cancer cells. Chemo can shrink tumors and i am sure others on here have had success in that way.
Your oncologist should be able to explain why they recommend chemo first. Do you have a breast care nurse as they too can walk you through things.
When first diagnosed it is simply terrifying and overwhelming. There is so much to take in, all the new terms and what they all mean. It's hard to generalise because each of us has our own pathology and really no 2 are exactly the same.
Treatment is very successful these days and while it's definitely a tough road, you are going to get through it. You need to keep busy and look after yourself well to get through it all. Eat healthy food, drink lots water and take in some exercise if you can as it really helps. Take deep breaths or try meditation as it is also helpful.
It can also be beneficial to talk to a counsellor or psychologist. I am sure Peter Mac would help there or a breast care nurse. Breast cancer can be alot to process and sometimes having a professional to talk to can help. I had a couple of sessions with a psychologist and it did help me.
Best wishes to you. This is a great forum and all questions and concerns are ok to talk about here, it is good support. Take care
Sorry you are going through this situation. I hope you have some good family and friends supporting you. I was not exactly in the same situation as you but it is common for chemo to be done first to shrink a tumor and kill any roaming cancer cells. Chemo can shrink tumors and i am sure others on here have had success in that way.
Your oncologist should be able to explain why they recommend chemo first. Do you have a breast care nurse as they too can walk you through things.
When first diagnosed it is simply terrifying and overwhelming. There is so much to take in, all the new terms and what they all mean. It's hard to generalise because each of us has our own pathology and really no 2 are exactly the same.
Treatment is very successful these days and while it's definitely a tough road, you are going to get through it. You need to keep busy and look after yourself well to get through it all. Eat healthy food, drink lots water and take in some exercise if you can as it really helps. Take deep breaths or try meditation as it is also helpful.
It can also be beneficial to talk to a counsellor or psychologist. I am sure Peter Mac would help there or a breast care nurse. Breast cancer can be alot to process and sometimes having a professional to talk to can help. I had a couple of sessions with a psychologist and it did help me.
Best wishes to you. This is a great forum and all questions and concerns are ok to talk about here, it is good support. Take care