girlfriend diagnosis

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Someguy-55
Someguy-55 Member Posts: 7
edited July 2018 in Just Diagnosed

My girlfriend was diagnosed with stage 1A, approximately 8 months ago. Now it is 1b. She had to switch oncologists recently. This new oncologist, wants four rounds of chemo (Xeloda) prior to any surgery. All I know that it is non-estrogen cancer (not sure what that means). I know nothing else. She doesn't really speak to me which causes me to worry. 


Is chemo before surgery normal? Is there anything specific I should ask. I worry that it is a fast moving cancer but I think we all do. I don't know what is going on. 



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  • Peregrinelady
    Peregrinelady Member Posts: 1,019
    edited July 2018
    Hi someguy. The info you have given is very confusing. First of all, I don’t think anyone who is stage 1 would be taking Xeloda (which is a chemotherapy pill, btw). Also, your stage doesn’t progress from 1a to 1b, unless the first staging was preliminary. Lastly, 8 months after diagnosis is a long time to be starting treatment. Either your girlfriend is confused or she is not giving you all the information. Perhaps you should let her know that you would like to accompany her to the dr. to help her through this diagnosis.
    A non estrogen cancer means that she is probably triple negative in which case chemo before surgery is often suggested. (Triple negative means estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative and HER 2 negative).
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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited July 2018

    Good morning. Chemo before surgery is not unusual but may indicate the tumor is large as well as estrogen and progesterone negative. But a 1b grade is low so she should be fine after a few tough months of treatment.

    I agree you should ask to go with her to her next appt if you can, and get her to ask for copies of all test results. She's probably terrified so good for you being supportive. Let us know how we can help.

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  • RebzAmy
    RebzAmy Member Posts: 322
    edited July 2018

    Hi Someguy55

    Is this a new diagnosis to the one eight months ago? Chemo before surgery is usually done to contain the cancer and stop it spreading and/or to shrink the lump down before surgery, if it's large and is in danger of spreading. I had chemo first but my cancer was grade 3 ie fast growing and aggressive and it was staged at around 2 (c), i think as it had spread to my lymph nodes already.

    Hopefully you can find out some more information and come back here.

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  • Someguy-55
    Someguy-55 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2018

    Hello, thank you for the responses. I am not normally a worrier but I have definitely worried a lot lately.


    She got a preliminary diagnosis of 1A approximately eight months ago. She was referred to a surgeon. Due to low blood counts, low platelets and things like that, surgery was delayed numerous times. She switched Oncologists and went to a new one who is known for his aggressive style. He recommended four rounds of chemo with Xeloda due to the location of where this tumor is located. I believe she mentioned that it was 2.5 cm and has not spread to any lymph nodes. It was caught very early due to an annual checkup.


    Just an updated, it is triple negative. Can someone shed some light on this. How it responds to chemo. What to expect in the future. Chemo before surgery normal in this instance? 


    Thank you.


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