How do you know if chemo worked?

chicagomom

Hi-

I just had my secon round of TCH.  4 more to go.  Is there a scan/test that will be performed so I know if it worked or not???  Some days I fear it may be everywhere and would like to be reassured after this is all don.....

Thanks

shadow2356

Good question. I am about to start six rounds of TCH and a year of herceptin. I have the same tumor status as you. They told me I will have to do repeated tests to see if it has spread anywhere. PET scan or bone scan with CT scans. Scary. I am afraid it might be everywhere too.

chicagomom

Good luck Mary Ellen!  I guess we have to hope and pray for the best....:)  take care!

lexislove

There is no special test to tell if chemo has worked or not. Time will tell that......

Most oncs will not do follow up scans ect following chemo unless you are having symptoms. Ex. bone pain,headaches,coughs that wont go away.

If you are having neo adjuvant chemo,chemo BEFORE surgery, that is the closest you will get to see if the chemo is working. If the tumor responds and depending on the final path report at surgery, will give your docs and you, a good idea at just how much your chemo has worked.

Carolina59

Good luck, MaryEllen and jkwick!

MaryEllen, my daughter was 2 yr. 3 mos. when I was diagnosed. I had a bilat mast. and TCH. My dd is almost 5 now and thriving. It is hard to go through this with young kids, but you'll both get to the other side.

I had PET/CT scans before surgery due to size of tumor and concern that it had already metasticized. I was fortunate. I, too, wished I could have repeat scans after all the tx was finished.  

TammyLou

Diagnosed January 2005 Stage 3C with fixed, matted lymph nodes wrapped around my chest wall.

I'm not dead yet.

Thus, chemotherapy worked.

I know it is way hard not to freak.  This is definitely one of those "one day at a time" sorts of things.

Surgery is definitive.  Hang in there.

tl

cjm1957

I was dx with ER+ PR+ HER2 negative MAMMAPRINT high risk lymph node negative

Dr recommending chemo..radiation and medication...anyone esle?