Forum Discussion

Marlee's avatar
Marlee
Member
10 years ago

Information please on Neoadjuvant chemo and response rate

Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone has anything similar happen and can offer some advice

I have Invasive ductal BC, tumour of 5cm (or more) and satellite further toward nipple {up to 7 - 8cm)

I am having chemo before surgery. I have had two cycles of FEC and then had an MRI plus core biposy after second cycle.

My MRI results show no change to tumour, which is so depressing !!!! I havent got biopsy back yet. I'm seeing the oncologist next Tuesday (a differnt one because mine is on leave) and my third cylce of FEC will be Wednesday (unless it gets changed).

Has anyone else had similar, I'm kind of freaking out because I googled (silly I know) and it says no response is not a good sign. I also feel crap because maybe feeling so horrible with chemo is for nothing.

Anyway........ I guess it's more waiting - this BC is a shitty ride.

Thanks for listening ladies :)

4 Replies

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Marlee, I'm having my last dose of neoadjuvant chemo on Tuesday. Three FEC followed by three Docetaxel. I had an ulstrasound after the 3 FEC, which showed minimal change, but enough that my surgeon was really happy with. She wasn't expecting huge changes. A repeat biopsy was never suggested. In a couple of weeks I'll have a mammogram and another ultrasound, & hopefully, a week after that, my surgery. 

    I've recently heard a similar story to yours, but not the results, as yet. I don't get the reasoning behind doing either the MRI or the biopsy after only 2 cycles, when my surgeon was so clear on no expecting much, even after. 3 cycles. 

    Probably not much help,,but feel free to message me if you want to "chat" any further

    Take care

    Lyn

  • Annedipa's avatar
    Annedipa
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Marlee, I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Like you my initial radiology report showed a 5cm tumor although an MRI done when i had the biopsies showed the tumor as 79mm. Although i initially had a response to the chemotherapy my tumor regrew while on the second stage of chemo (i had ac then taxol/carboplatin). So chemo was stopped and i went for surgery. My oncologist said there were many other chemotherapy types she could try but was reluctant in my case due to the progression. Ask plenty of questions when you see your oncologist next...but try to stay away from google if you can (hard i know as i did it myself) ss its a scary place. I completed all my active treatment in June...all good now! Let us know how you get on. Big hugs Anne

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello and welcome to the online network!!! Stay connected on here, as when things are tough going,this network of amazing ladies will get you through!!:):) I am not going to be much help with your question,as I didn't have chemo first,however there are many ladies on here that did.I am sure that you will get responses from some of them,but just be aware that the blog is typically quiet on the weekend.( and probably more so on grand final weekend) Try not to google  cause it really doesn't help at all.Two cycles of chemo is not a lot,and if I were you,I would just try to focus on what the doctors are saying.SO MANY TIMES on here,ladies have written about their fears,and they have been made worse by what they have read on the Internet!!!! BC is different for each one of us,even though the type may be the same.Sometimes it takes a bit of experimentation with medication before the perfect one is found.Please keep in touch.CheersRobynxox