Due for three more rounds of chemo in June.

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wamoss63
wamoss63 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The tumor was 2.5 cm and one node was enlarged and had cancer cells from a needle biopsy. The cancer was triple negative. Due to my family history, I was genetically tested and found to have the brca1 defect. My doctors decided to do neoadjuvant chemo therapy. Three cycles of taxotere and carboplatin administered every two weeks.

I completed the first three rounds of chemo at which time I had a bilateral mastectomy. I had three sentinal nodes removed. The pathology report came back pathological complete response. I no longer have cancer according to the pathology report for which I feel so blessed.

Now for the questions. My chemo doctor wants to continue with three more rounds of chemo and the radiologist want to do radiation after the chemo. Do I really need any more treatments since I no longer have cancer? I’m just worried that the side effects from the chemo and radiation will do more harm than good at this point.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2014

    wamoss63,

    We are so glad that you found your way to the BCO community. You are sure to find wonderful support and information here. In addition to his forum you may want to browse some other forums for additional information on your type of cancer.triple negative breast cancer as well as information on our main site new research on triple negative breast cancer that might also help with  your concerns.  Keep us posted. The Mods
      .

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited May 2014

    wamoss, 

    I think it depends of several things, your age & your level of anxiety & worry. 

    For me, I would do it in a heartbeat. I know very little about triple negative. You do not take any AI or tamoxifen, correct? You could get a second opinion. 

    Good Luck, no guarantees on any of the treatments. 

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited May 2014

    wamoss63- I do understand why you are questioning the need for 3 more rounds of chemo.   Although my situation is different from yours, i viewed chemo as just another means to help make sure that to get those sneaky cancer cells that may be undetected and were not found in any biopsy or tumor pathology.  To me, it is just one more weapon to give me and my body a good chance to be NED. ( no evidence of disease).  Yes, what Holeinone told you is true..... If one is triple negative, at this time there are no additional hormone target therapies ( ie Tamoxifen or Arimidex).   No matter what it will always be your own choice to decide whether or not to continue with treatment.    I agree with Holeinone about getting a second opinion and perhaps having an discussion with your onco as to his recommendation for the 3 remaining rounds of chemo and ask the questions as to what factors have been considered in determining your treatment plan.  The other thing to know is that there are some here who do have neoadjuvent chemotherapy, surgery and then additional chemotherapy so don't think that your treatment plan is unusual.  Wishing you the best and keep us posted.

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