I need help

shining20031228community2
shining20031228community2 Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hello all,

I am new here living in GTA. I had breast cancer size 4 to 5 cm and also locally advanced(breast skin change),2 lymph nodes enlarged. I am waiting the biopsy result. I was seen by specialist of surgeon(general surgeon). she suggested to do operation as soon as possible .

but a friend's friend working in another hospital(specially for tumor) was saying usually for this size tumor usually doing chemo or radiation before surgery and that hospital has a wonderful team working for patients. But in this hospital if I want to see a specialist I will be on a long waiting list. I do not know when I could see the doctor and when I will get my treatment started.

Is there anybody could help with this question:should I get surgery done as soon as possible or go to tumor specialized hospital and wait with patience for chemo then surgery?

thanks

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2013

    shining, several things factor into whether neoadjuvant chemo (chemo first) is a better option for you than doing surgery first.  Some of those include not only the size of your lesion, but the stats it sounds like you're still waiting on, which will tell you how aggressive your bc is.  The size of your breasts can also be a factor in deciding what's the best way to go.

    The two main reasons for doing chemo first are:  (1)  Your doctors can see if your tumor is responding to the chemo; and (2) you might be able to have a lumpectomy, rather than a mastectomy, IF that is your strong preference, and IF the chemo successfully shrinks your tumor.   

    But other than reason #1 -- which is more important if your bc is not hormone driven (in which case it's especially important to be able to assess if chemo is working)  -- waiting might be more risky -- especially if the enlarged nodes turn out to be positive for bc.  How long would you have to wait to get a second opinion at the other hospital?  With a 4 to 5 cm lesion, I would think you would want to start treatment (either surgery or chemo) within a month or so.   I'm not a doctor, but I don't think I would want to wait much more than that -- again pending exactly what the stats you're waiting on tell you about your bc.

    Is there any way to speed up an appointment at facility #2?      Deanna

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  • simone12345
    simone12345 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2013

    Hi, 

    Not sure what type of cancer you have yet my tumour was 12 cm , locally advanced as well and I was given chemo immediately before surgery. Though my biopsy also showed I am triple negative. I live in Canada so not sure if trt varies from where you are at. The chemo killed the cancer. My opnion is get trt quickly. 

    Wish you all the best on your journey, lots of positive thoughts to you!

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  • shining20031228community2
    shining20031228community2 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2013

    Hi Deanna and Simone,

    Thank you very much for the reply. All the information and advice very helpful.

    I live in Toronto.I did not have biopsy yet because of the holiday.

    I got highly suspected BC On Dec.22 via Mamography. It was holiday season. I had to wait.

    Dec.31 I was refered to Pricess Margret hospital rapid diagnosis center  with the choice of Dr.Mc cready and submitted my film.

    Jan. 3   I was seen by a  Humberriver Hospital surgeon in who is good at breast surgery.It is via a friend reference. I took film from the Princess Margret to Humber River.

    Jan.5 I was refered to Princess Margret hospital surgical oncologist Dr. Mccready. I am still on the list (on holding because of film taken out)the rapid diagnosis center.As soon as the film in Humber River Hospital finish I will bring it back.

     Next Monday (wait to be confirmed )will do biopsy in the Humber River Hospital.  The result will be out on Friday Jan.11.The doctor said from the film she could say it is classical ca.

    I would prefer the surgery and treatment in Princess Margret. But the waiting is long(as per a friend). I have to make decision either choose Humber or Princess as soon as the biopsy result is out. I am on the waiting,waiting.... .I am thinking if it is possible to get chemo and radiation and surgery in Humber and then get treatment after surgery in Princess. But I am not sure if it is possible or if it is good for me. the best is get everything in same hospital. but Princess waiting so long. I am not sure I can wait that long.

    As you said I will try to push for the appointment or get #2 surgeon in Sunnybrook.

    I feel I am in the dark and not sure I am not sure I am doing right, speeding up or slow down the process for the diagnosis and treatment?

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  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 919
    edited January 2013

    Shining.

    My GP sent me to a surgeon for a consultation.. Surgeon wanted  second opinion with an Onc because of my tumor size, he sent me to a Onc.. So my treatment plan changed.. Glad it did.. I am here today and feel great.. Had chemo then MX with immidiate reconstruction (tissue expander placed) then radiation.. I had my exchange surgery ( Implant) done 6 weeks post rads..

    I had chemo first as my tumor was 7x6x1.5 cm Chemo completely killed my tumor... Yay..  I was locally advanced three nodes "involved" whatever that means.. Pat report also said 7 nodes removed benign but three involved... Hope you get the decision made soon as time frame is important

    You should join us at The Canadian connection.... calling all Canadian women..

    a great tread with so much knowledge

    Good luck.. keep us updated

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