Tumor Grow Back and Lymph Node Swell again while chemo

Cutie
Cutie Member Posts: 67
edited May 2019 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hello,

I have had 4 AC and 2 dense Taxol done. While on AC, my swollen bump at elbow, lymph nodes under armpit disappeared. But after 2 cycles of Taxol, the tumor Grow back from completely gone to small mass again and the same swelling at lymph node and at elbow areas swelling.. I am going to have ultrasound and mammogram.

Does anyone experienced this? Now I am thinking either to continue, seems like Taxol is not effective, or go ahead to do surgery.

Please share me if you have any suggestions or experience.

Thank you

Cutie

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  • Momchichi
    Momchichi Member Posts: 133
    edited May 2019

    hi Cutie,

    It is a really good idea to have testing (scans, ultrasound) to check on your response to chemo. I wish I did - my doctor tried to explain away my concerns about pain and regrowth of the cancer in my lymph nodes as “treatment effect” during taxol. I could feel the tumors melting away on AC like you but after several taxols, I had underarm pain and swelling. It turned out my lymph nodes were practically bursting with cancer and I wish I had stopped taxol early and gone to surgery. I hope your ultrasound and mammogram gives you the results you need to make an informed decision.

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2019

    Hi Momchichi,


    Thank you for your response. I am waiting to see what my MO will do, switching to another chemo, should I?, Or see surgeon for surgery. I am thinking to stop chemo and do surgery. But I am concerned if my surgery date is late, I don't want cancer growing freely but Taxol seems useless with my type ER-/PR+

    So, what was your outcome after continued to Taxol and then surgery? Did you have to remove more lymph nodes or spread?

    Cutie

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  • Momchichi
    Momchichi Member Posts: 133
    edited May 2019

    I had more chemo after surgery because a different type of cancer was found in some nodes (triple negative at first diagnosis but then HER2+ after surgery). I think I am an unusual case.

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2019

    Hi Momchichi,

    Thank you for your response. Hope you are better now after all these treatments. I have scheduled mammogram and ultrasound to check the lymph nodes and lump in the breast. I am thinking to go ahead surgery if it is confirmed. If so, seems Taxol doesn't work and 4 AC last for a month only.

    Thanks and enjoy your day.

    Cutie

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  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited May 2019

    Cutie, you could ask your Dr about Xeloda after surgery. Xeloda is a chemo that is sometimes used when there might be residual disease after surgery. As a side bonus, Xeloda is usually milder and doesn't cause hair loss. I hope you find something that works for you, and best wishes.

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  • Cutie
    Cutie Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2019

    Hi Buttonsmachine,


    Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will ask my MO about this chemo to clean up after surgery.

    Cutie

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