Feeling overwhelmed

Hi @Sharonb58 I hope you are doing ok. I just remembered that I watched the video/podcast on this network - Recently Diagnosed - and it was really useful and explained quite a few things. When you have chemo first it’s called neoadjuvent chemo - that’s what I had. My oncologist said it is pretty much the same as having it after surgery, but there are a couple of advantages of having chemo first 1. You have time to plan the type of surgery you are going to have 2. The pathology done will indicate how your tumour responds to chemo 3. Time to think about whether you want reconstruction 4. When you have surgery first, they will not start chemo if there is any complications such as infection. 5. The chemo will be mopping up any rogue cells. I think I had chemo first because I was diagnosed over Christmas 2019 and with surgeons on holidays, it was quicker to just get into the chemo immediately. Either way, there will be a plan and you will be in good hands and you will get through this. Take care. X