Do I choose surgery or chemo first?
I posted my first discussion last week and now I have a bit more information I thought I would give you an update. I have Hormone Receptor (HR) Oestrogen (ER+PR+)HER2. I was booked in for a lumpecto...
Forum Discussion
HI
Doing treatment this way around is becoming more popular it seems. As @SoldierCrab says, it is to shrink/destroy the cancer cells first therefore giving more women the option of lumpectomy versus mastectomy. It allows a choice for some depending on the size and status of the tumor to have a less radical surgery. From what I have read it they are finding it very effective with triple negative cancers as well. Going in to surgery with an already better pathological status can lessen the chance of recurrence is what the research is saying.
It's definitely a question for your oncologist
Your breast care nurse will probably be able to answer a lot of questions as well.
I did it surgery first (lumpectomy/lymph node clearance) as we already knew there was lymph node involvement so chemo was to catch any wayward little buggers that may have been missed.
Ask lots of questions and if your breast care nurse is available see if she can come to the appointment with you.
There are so many decisions to be made along the way but ultimately it is your body and your choice.
XXOX
Doing treatment this way around is becoming more popular it seems. As @SoldierCrab says, it is to shrink/destroy the cancer cells first therefore giving more women the option of lumpectomy versus mastectomy. It allows a choice for some depending on the size and status of the tumor to have a less radical surgery. From what I have read it they are finding it very effective with triple negative cancers as well. Going in to surgery with an already better pathological status can lessen the chance of recurrence is what the research is saying.
It's definitely a question for your oncologist
Your breast care nurse will probably be able to answer a lot of questions as well.
I did it surgery first (lumpectomy/lymph node clearance) as we already knew there was lymph node involvement so chemo was to catch any wayward little buggers that may have been missed.
Ask lots of questions and if your breast care nurse is available see if she can come to the appointment with you.
There are so many decisions to be made along the way but ultimately it is your body and your choice.
XXOX