Neoadjuvant chemo for stage 2 b

Options
scaredashell07
scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
edited October 2016 in Just Diagnosed

so I now have the details on my breast cancer. Just got back results Friday. I may be off on describing some of it

Her2 negative

Progesterone positive (90%) and estrogen positive (60%)

2.1 cm in size and a smaller one .7mm in size next to it.

Grade 2

Stage 2

Lymph node positive for node so far

So.... They want to do chemo first because they feel since the lying nodes are involved best to do pre chemo and then surgery.

So I am a little concerned that the tumors will still be in my breast and possibly get to other lymph nodes and bloodstream. Wondering if it's unusual for this size to do chemo first. I have to trust them... Also getting a second opionion. They explained that oif I get the mass out first they may have to take out many lymph nodes and that could lead to lymphadema.

They said the outcome is the same as far as getting rid of the cancer and survival Rate

Can the cancer get to my bloodstream at this point

Please help me understand this all.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • texaslaughter
    texaslaughter Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2016

    Hello - this is my first post/reply ever...but I have lurked this site for almost 2 years now. I just wanted to let you know that our situations are quite similar...however mine was triple negative and grade 3 I did neo-adjuvant and it was the best thing I could've done. Not only does it show you whether or not your cancer responds to chemo, but for me I had a Pcr which did wonders for peace of mind. PCR greatly reduces the odds of reoccurrence. When you have surgery first, there is no way to tell if it responded as at our stage the cancer is usually removed. So you really hope that the chemo after catches any remnants. With neo, you find out pretty conclusively. It worked out great for me, but you have to feel confident in your doctors recommendations and your choices from them.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2016

    Neoadjuvant chemo has been standard TX for IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) for years - it is becoming more common in recent years for other types with good results. Basically/Simplistically, neoadjuvant 'attacks' the cancer causing it to shrink and get good/better margins so surgery can be less invasive and with better prognosis. It is possible for some to get a complete response before surgery It 'attacks' any cancer cells in the body - not just ones in the breast area.

    There are different TX plans - some will do 2 different chemo regimens neoadjuvant and some will do 1 neoadjuvant regimen and 1 adjuvant regimen (what I did).

    LE (LymphEdema) is not automatically linked to the number of nodes removed. It is a possibility after any surgery (even minor non-invasive surgery) or a traumatic injury. Some have many nodes removed and never develop LE, some will have 1 node removed but develop LE. The few nodes removed the better but no 'guarantees' either way.

    I have a friend who deals with major LE issues in lower leg after non-invasive knee surgery. Many years ago, I had a significant traumatic lower leg sport in jury (damage to skin, circulation, tissue) and was told that LE was a probability - never happened. My UMX with 19 pos. nodes did leave me with LE though. Doesn't slow me down at a of keep me from doing everything I ever did.

    It would help those who might be replying to you if now that you have a DX you would fill out your Profile.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scaredashell07
    scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
    edited October 2016

    I don't understand the whole profile option. I am still a newbie and don't know how to express lymph node status...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chesty_LaRue
    Chesty_LaRue Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2016

    Hi! I was diagnosed in 2011 with Triple Neg BC, Grade 3. I did the neoadjuvant chemo and so glad that I did. My tumor was 5cm and by the time I completed chemo, the tumor was non existent, only the tumor bed was found during surgery. I had a double mastectomy and radiation as well. All of my check ups have been clear and I'm now 4 yrs out cancer free!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RNstrong
    RNstrong Member Posts: 126
    edited October 2016

    Inspiring! Glad youre here on this forum to prove that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of the world.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RNstrong
    RNstrong Member Posts: 126
    edited October 2016

    I am a nurse as well. Were you able to work in the hospital while on chemo?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • scaredashell07
    scaredashell07 Member Posts: 272
    edited October 2016

    another question...is there a hormone drug given in the neoadjuvant process to stop the hormones from producing more masses?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2016

    As you have your chemo, they will continue to monitor the size of your tumor(s). In my case they did physical exams and an MRI between chetnik drugs. If it isn't working, they will change treatment or move surgery up. So this approach can keep you from getting unnecessary chemotherapy if it's not working for your particular cancer. Typically you will not get any hormone therapy during chemotherapy, it will begin after your surgery. However most people experience significant drop in hormones with chemotherapy or "chemo pause". Also I was warned that because my cancer is highly ER /PR + that I probably should not expect a complete response. I didn't have a complete response, but my cancer shrank significantly and the edges improved, allowing clean margins even though it was very close to my chest wall. It can often turn a situation that may require mastectomy into a lumpectomy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited October 2016

    Get a notepad and keep it close at hand - write EVERY question you come up with and make a second copy to hand to your Dr at your next appointment. Use your smart phone to record the answers so you can review later exactly as they were said. Your Dr(s) are the only one(s) who can actually give you the answers that pertain to you and your unique DX. We can only give you our experiences which are unique to each of us.

    ER blockers (there several different types/ones) are used after (at least as far as I have ever heard/read) and your Dr will discuss when the time is correct after chemo. Some will start ER blockers during rads, some will start after. Some will be on them for 5 yrs - some of us will be on them forever (I've been on Femara/letrozole since 2/2010 and will be on it forever).

    While on chemo - as it is given IV it is circulating throughout the body so it will be attacking any cancer cell anywhere. Depending on the chemo you will be doing, you may be getting a port implanted as some chemo is very nasty on veins for infusion.

    There will undoubtably a lot of tests/scans before starting TX. After you see your Dr(s) again you will be better prepared to ask questions and understand any replies portget here.

    There is so much to learn - but you can a d will as all of us have.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnotherMichelle
    AnotherMichelle Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2016

    As others have said, it is increasingly common to have chemo first for a number of populations: large(r) tumors (making lumpectomy possible), lymph node involvement, etc. I have a similar dx to yours, and I never had a period during chemo (and then had my ovaries removed when I had my lumpectomy, so never again, either). Nto only is it good for breast-conserving surgery, but it can stop lymph node spread. My surgeon said that some people even "go down a stage" when their lymph nodes clear up completely (in about 25% of cases or so, she said).

    Chemo is systemic, so you will not need other treatments while you're on chemo. They will do ovarian suppression drugs for you (cf. the SOFT Trials) and an AI after radiation.

    Chemo nurses are generally wonderful, wonderful people, so you will likely have as nice an introduction to cancer treatment as is possible to have.

    I am thinking of you,

    Kelli

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nulyte
    Nulyte Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2016

    I have been recently diagnosed similar to you. I went for 3 opinions and had 3 different treatment plans. My last consult I absolutely loved and she gave me all the options. She told me if my MRI shows no wall involvement and less than 3 nodes and a low onco score I may go with no chemo , just surgery. I've already decided I want a BMX so I'm not shooting for tumor shrinkage for lumpectomy. I'm also in healthcare and I don't like the approach to treatment where you sit and they tell you what they are doing, that's just not me. I've been trained to be part of the team and decision. In some cases if the tumor is luminal type A it doesn't even respond to chemo which was a huge decision factor for me. I just say don't be afraid to go for other consultations , I went until I found one that was "right" for me. I've also noticed that in different regions of the country there seems to be different "norms" in treatment. As a friend said to me soak up all the knowledge you can and then make your decisions with a calm mind and a peace you will feel. Sounded hokey to me but she was right when I found the right course of treatment for me I felt it..... good luck and blessings on your journey...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories