Neoadjuvant PLUS adjuvant chemotherapy?
Hi everyone, As my wife's neoadjuvant chemotherapy draws to a close we've been looking more forward to surgery / radiation, however her breast care coordinator dropped a new bit of information last week that, depending on the pathology of her tumour, she may require additional chemotherapy after surgery. This was a bit of a bombshell, since it's the first time we've heard anything about this being a thing and although the coordinator said that "it's a good thing, since it gives us more options", it doesn't feel like a good thing. We've been steadily working through this process for the last 4 months assuming that we'll get to the finish line and be able close the book on chemo and move on, but now it looks like we have an uncertain pathway again. I'd love to hear from anyone who's had this experience of getting through months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy only to find out that they needed more after surgery. What were the circumstances that drove that decision and what did the adjuvant portion of chemotherapy look like? Was it months of the same again, or a different regime? I get that everyone's different and your circumstances may not be exactly the same, but I'd appreciate any input so we can feel more informed and plan appropriately. Thanks! George
Update: I got heavy period 1 week after 1st Zoladex injection. Any similar experience?
Hello everyone. I wish you have a happy Sunday. I am 33 y.o. and diagnosed with localised advanced HER2-positive breast cancer last month. I got zoladex injection on Thursday (12/9). As expected, I didn't get the period which is normally usually come around last weekends. Got my first chemo on Friday (20/9) [I choose to go with Perjeta/Pertuzumab treatment btw]. Overall so good, only normal sympthoms like sore and dry throat, thrush, very mild tingling sensation. may be because I still consume the dexamethasone as prescribed for Day 2. I took the Ziextenzo (pegfilgrastim) injection around 25 hrs after the chemo as instructed. No alergic reaction. Only mild ache. But, a couple of hours later I felt burning sensation during urination and when I tried to hold my urine, then the urine got redder plus I found blood on my panty. I went to ER. Surprisingly my temp a little bit over 38C (At that time I felt okay, no sweat or chills). Got observed, blood test, urine test, chest xray. Overall nothing concerning except the blood in urine and the discomfort during urination. During the urine MCS I found blood on my pads like during period, but redder (usually I have darker spot). This made me unsure whether the blood came from my urethra or uterus. But because I feel pain during urination + the fever, I discharged with UTI diagnosis. Got antibiotic iv + antibiotic prescription. I got much better after had some sleep at home. It is still a little bit hurt during urination, but much-much better. However, the blood got redder and it become more-more similar to period sympthoms. Like a heavy period will storm in. I plan to observe what will happen today, and will consult my oncologist tomorrow. But, if someone here have experience with period after 1st zoladex injection or similar sympthoms, I will really appreciate your insight (PS: Sorry for the long post and grammar mistake, english is not my 1st language) Thank you :heart:
Neo adjuvant Chemotherapy - treatment sensations
Hi, Thank you for listening to my story and your consideration to share your experience. I am currently on neo adjuvant treatment for Her2+ HR- cancer with one lymph node involvement according to PET scan since my diagnosis in February 2022. After four rounds of AC chemotherapy, I am now halfway through the second chemotherapy regime of Taxol, Herceptin and Perjeta. I have had many sensations during the chemotherapy treatment ranging from lymph nodes along the neckline (just on one side of my head where the cancer is being treated) occasionally feeling that they have swollen up as if I am fighting a cold. Lots of sensations in the armpit and at one stage I feel someone is poking a pencil into my lymph nodes, not to mention the range of sensations felt in the breast. Occasional upper back pain (particularly when I lean back to sit on it) which I think is due to some cancer cells wrapping around a nerve extending to the upper back. I cannot find anything online that describe similar experiences and wondering if I am alone in feeling these types of sensations. Have you experience similar or different type of sensations during the neo adjuvant treatment? Appreciate your insights and sharing of your neo adjuvant treatment experience. Thank you. MillieRWhat to take to chemo and tips
Hey all you lovely people. I start chemo next friday. I am having ac and t. Then taxol and herceptin. I am looking for tips from everyone. What should I buy to make my life easier eg eye drops etc. And what do I take to chemo. Do i need to take a blanket? Just looking for some advice pl3ase and thank you. I read a thread and it freaked me out the amount of stuff i need just to make life normal. Like after chemo you should get a squirt bottle to spray yourself after you pee. Apparently ac and t burns. Your nose drips constantly. Your head is sensitive after your hair falls out etc. Thoughts please and thank you.