Chemo before surgery

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Laurencl
Laurencl Member Posts: 237
edited February 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

hello,

I’m new here. I was diagnosed with invasive Ductal carcinoma on January 29th and today I met with the oncologist to discuss a chemo schedule leading to surgery to shrink the tumor. I am devistated. My head is swimming with all the information. The hope is to start chemo within about two weeks. I don’t even know what questions to ask yet. I’m just so sad

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited February 2019

    Yes, a cancer diagnosis is unwelcome news. I'm sorry to hear that you are so sad. It's also somewhat annoying to do chemo first instead of surgery. Is your tumor big? Mine was 5 cm.+, so I did chemo first. Did your oncologist say what chemo regimen you were going to use? Did she do a good job explaining your chemo schedule? If not, you might request clarification.

    One thing that is very helpful is to join a chemo board. Someone has already posted a thread for those starting chemo in February 2019. (See link below.) Why don't you join that thread so you don't have to go through your chemo alone. ((Hugs))

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/869318

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  • Laurencl
    Laurencl Member Posts: 237
    edited February 2019

    My tumor is 4cm. The schedule is Ac x4. T x 12. She did explain it....I just did not want to hear it. Thank you for answering

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited February 2019

    Hi Laurencl, I know, what a shock to get the news, it's like the world just stops, but all of us here had that same shock so we understand. I did chemo first also, because my tests showed a large tumor, but also my lymph nodes were involved.My chemo was TAC, that stands for the cocktail of chemo meds.For me chemo was the most challenging part but, even so not as bad as I had anticipated. The main thing I want you to know is, it's all do able, you can still live your life while in treatments, with some modification, the doctors have all kinds of meds for the side effects. For now , get something for anxiety, at least for me that helped my fear of the unknown. Once you get going with your treatment you will feel more in control. I had just about everything on the menu and I came out just fine. You have a lot of support and info here, so any questions or concerns, someone will have advice. Anything I can help you with, just message me 💗Best wishes

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2019

    Hello Lauren,

    I am so sorry you have to be here. Looking back, I remember what it felt like to be where you are right now, newly diagnosed, no plan in place yet and scared. I was absolutely terrified the morning I got the call that forever changed my life and I too was disappointed I couldn't go straight to surgery, I had to have chemo first, I am just finishing up my last few rounds and I will be done with chemo and then off to surgery pretty soon after. Take several deep breathes and allow yourself to digest the gigantic curveball you've been thrown. You are currently are at the hardest stage in the whole journey, trying to figure things out and process all the information being thrown at you. This site is a great support network, I would definitely take Elaine's advise and join February's chemo support thread. I am in the October 2018 thread and have found it a lifesaver in connecting with other women in a similar situation, I have been through almost 5 months of chemo with those ladies and together we have all helped each other get through chemo, surgeries, the ups and downs of side effects chemo and coping etc. Its okay to be afraid, just know you are not alone :)

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  • BrinkOfEternity
    BrinkOfEternity Member Posts: 207
    edited February 2019

    I’m so sorry you had to join this club. It’s totally fine to feel sad, confused, and uncertain about many things. Try to take time to talk to your loved ones, and/or share on this forum as all of us can relate. If you have friends/family who have battled against cancer they can be a tremendous help and support too.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2019

    Laurencl-

    We want to welcome you to our community, although we are so very sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here. As many have already expressed, we know it's such a shock, and the first weeks are full of uncertainty and fear. But you're in the right place for support, and we hope you know that you are definitely not alone.

    The Mods

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