Not responding to Chemotherapy

santefe55

Hi All! I have ER+ breast cancer in the left breast with two lymph nodes involved. I have done 4 rounds of AC and I am on my 6th round of Taxol weekly. My Oncologist added Carboplatin after the 1st week of Taxol and I have had 5 doses of Carboplatin so far weekly along with the Taxol. The initial goal was to shrink the tumor and have a Lumpectomy. The tumor is not responding normally to the chemotherapy and has actually gotten larger. I have also had to take antibiotics twice because of breast inflammation and fever. I had a repeat PET scan that confirmed it has grown about 1 cm but thankfully has not spread to any new area. I see the surgeon in a few days to discuss mastectomy. Has anyone else not responded to chemotherapy?

Moderators

Dear santefe55, welcome to BC.org. We're sorry you find yourself in this situation, and sorry you haven't had any replies yet! We can't really help with your question but hopefully this post will help other members see it and you have a better change of a reply.

Please let us know what you learn from your surgeon!

Kind wishes,

The Mods

rdeesides

Hi SantaFe55,

My tumor did not respond to chemo either. I had a mastectomy and am currently doing radiation. I have a 2nd opinion Dr appointment today, but I think I will probably do more chemo post radiation. Then I am going to see if there are any clinical trials I can get into. I don't know if I will qualify for an immunology trial, but maybe that. I am Triple Negative, so different type of cancer than you, but I will let you know what I end up doing. Remember, since you are ER+ you will be able to do anti hormonal and that will give you some security.

Rebekah

Celebrate_Life

Hello,

I am also not currently responding to my treatment. It happens and even though I don't know specifically what your individual cancer is, there are other drugs your Dr. can try.

It is frustrating, worrisome, and lots of anxiety waiting to see if there is change. I had one drug that I had to wait for 3 months to see if it is working! Ughhhh. I have been on this latest one; just received my third monthly dose treatment today. Plans to change it next month are already in the works.

Hang in there, and be your own advocate. The doctors actually have treatment lines they follow. I also started with Taxol as my first line of treatment. Ask what is next if this doesn't start working.

You got this and keep on keeping on making the best of each day!

Therese

Meow13

What about hormone therapy? Perhaps that might work since you are er+.