Would we get more chemo ?

AaronBronte

Today we saw the Doctor at surgical, he said they are going to have a meeting with the radiologist, and decide what is the best decision. The doctor said he thinks they will remove the breast and most likely in two weeks they will give us a date for operation. Now we have a review for the oncology department later this week and Chemo scheduled for next week ( that was the plan 2 weeks ago). My Mom is receiving neoadjuvant treatment, she already took three cycles of Chemo and the oncologist said that they wanted to shrink it and then continue have surgery and then followed by chemo and radiation. He originally said 8 cycles, 4 followed by surgery then 5 more then he said just 6 cycles or until it get's to the size the Surgeon can work with.

Today the surgeon said he had seen a decrease in it's size, but because it's left a mark he said he isn't going to take any chances so he is going to remove the breast, and then have three cycles of Chemo to follow using the taxol drug. Everyone should be ok he said after that should it not reappear, he said it's a rearity to re appear.

My Question is, If the purpose of the chemo was to shrink the tumor to get it out easier, and the Surgeon is thinking about removing the breast, then would we be required to get more chemo next week ? i don't think it would make sense might make her weaker but we will talk to the oncologist on Thursday to find out more during review session.

ElaineTherese

Well, the purpose of chemo in your Mom's case is twofold. Yes, it helps to shrink the tumor, which will make it easier for the surgeon to get "clean margins." But, chemo is also systemic treatment. It travels through the bloodstream and lymph system and kills cancer cells floating around your Mom's body. Otherwise, those cells could land somewhere and make a new home. At that point, her cancer would be metastatic and more difficult to treat.

The problem with chemo is that no one knows how much is "enough." Is six infusions enough? eight? ten? Who knows. I had four infusions of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, and then twelve infusions of Taxol (plus targeted therapy, Herceptin/Perjeta). Hope your mom feels better soon!