Dear Nightsky
I was diagnosed a long time ago - 14 years - and had surgery (a mastectomy) first, then chemo, then herceptin and finally hormonal treatment. But in the intervening time, it has become quite common for treatment to shrink the cancer first, and surgery second. It sounds a bit backwards, but the intention is to reduce the degree of surgery ultimately required. Which may be what is happening in your case. Make a list of things you want to ask your oncologist - or take a trusted friend or relative with you to do so - when you know what is being planned and can discuss it with some knowledge, it actually does help. My oncologist provided me with written information about treatment and medication, which I found really useful to refer back to. There are no silly or irrelevant questions at this point - you have every right to ask why a particular course is being recommended, cancer is confusing enough, it's fair to expect your medical team to shed as much light as they reasonably can! Best wishes for your appointment.
