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 @JoB,
I am currently undertaking neoadjuvant chemo and, like a couple of women who have posted here, I've been lucky enough to see dramatic results. Within 3 or 4 weeks of weekly chemo I could no longer feel the tumour. I'm yet to have any imaging to see what's really going on in there but such a response to the chemo has been reassuring for me (especially as I'm triple negative). I was also preparing myself for the idea that my tumour might not respond to the chemo protocol I'm on. I would still consider neoadjuvant a good decision as the only way to know that the chemo isn't having any effect and that changes need to be made is if there is a tumour there to test it on.
It's completely understandable that you'd want the cancer out as soon as possible. I was very nervous to have 2 grade 3 tumours kicking around in my breast while treatment started, actually, it still bothers me but it's just one of many things about BC that bother me! It's also frustrating that I don't have a confirmed stage as the lymph nodes won't be checked until surgery. Imaging shows they're fine but that's not the same as a microscope.
Ask your oncologist to explain why the chemotherapy is considered necessary for you. Chemo is not just for mastectomy patients, it depends on the stage and the grade of cancer and most likely a bunch of other things as well.
Have you read "A guide for women who are considering breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy before surgery" on the breast cancer trials website? Here's a link to copy: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/file/44/Neoadjuvant-Patient-Decision-Aid. If that doesn't work there's a link from the BCNA website page on neoadjuvant chemo. I found it really helpful when i was making my decision for chemo or surgery as my first treatment.
I hope your appointment with the oncologist tomorrow clarifies things for you and you walk our feeling more confident in whatever choice you make.
I am currently undertaking neoadjuvant chemo and, like a couple of women who have posted here, I've been lucky enough to see dramatic results. Within 3 or 4 weeks of weekly chemo I could no longer feel the tumour. I'm yet to have any imaging to see what's really going on in there but such a response to the chemo has been reassuring for me (especially as I'm triple negative). I was also preparing myself for the idea that my tumour might not respond to the chemo protocol I'm on. I would still consider neoadjuvant a good decision as the only way to know that the chemo isn't having any effect and that changes need to be made is if there is a tumour there to test it on.
It's completely understandable that you'd want the cancer out as soon as possible. I was very nervous to have 2 grade 3 tumours kicking around in my breast while treatment started, actually, it still bothers me but it's just one of many things about BC that bother me! It's also frustrating that I don't have a confirmed stage as the lymph nodes won't be checked until surgery. Imaging shows they're fine but that's not the same as a microscope.
Ask your oncologist to explain why the chemotherapy is considered necessary for you. Chemo is not just for mastectomy patients, it depends on the stage and the grade of cancer and most likely a bunch of other things as well.
Have you read "A guide for women who are considering breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy before surgery" on the breast cancer trials website? Here's a link to copy: https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/file/44/Neoadjuvant-Patient-Decision-Aid. If that doesn't work there's a link from the BCNA website page on neoadjuvant chemo. I found it really helpful when i was making my decision for chemo or surgery as my first treatment.
I hope your appointment with the oncologist tomorrow clarifies things for you and you walk our feeling more confident in whatever choice you make.