Surgery or Chemo first?

It's not so much a choice, but driven by very specific factors about your type and size of tumor. You should get that explanation at your MO appointment.

anti hormonal, like aramidex is or anastrozal

ScatteredEnergy, a patient can refuse a particular treatment, or insist on one that isn't recommended. It doesn't make it right or necessary. I had a friend with a miniscule tumor that was removed with the needle biopsy. She INSISTED on chemo although the size, stage, and type all showed it was not necessary. I think it was irresponsible of her doctor to agree, but that's the down side of telling patients that they have a say in their treatment - it doesn't take stupidity into account.

Scattered - I do wish you would pick a thread and keep posting on just that one. I know I've read lots about your path on this journey, but can't remember any of it.

If you are HER2+, they would most likely do chemo first. Otherwise it depends on a lot of factors. If you do surgery first, you don't have a chance to see how the chemo is worked. But likewise, you might not need such extensive treatment if you do surgery first. Or you might need more. You need to pick an MO that you can trust. If this one doesn't match, get another opinion.

Alice,

Wow, I never heard of anyone wanting (and getting!) chemo simply to get attention. Wow again.

Claire

Clairinaz, have you ever heard the old expression (I think it's southern) that somebody "enjoys ill health?" It's not hypochondria, since there's actually an ailment, but some people like to milk the situation. One of our co-workers was diagnosed with MS and was having problems walking. Drama Queen tried to make it about her and her arthritic knee being THE WORST that could happen. 🙄

I had surgery 1st, then chemo. I was not told or encouraged to do chemo first. Might have changed how things turned out for me from dx to surgery... tumor doubled in size and started into my lymph nodes, thankfully a very small amount on 1 though lymph nodes were clear on initial MRI about a 1.5 months prior to surgery....

@scatteredenergy I'm sorry you're scared but it seems like ebeything is happening one thing right after another so you wont have time to be scared soon, you'll just do it. I think the "down" time is the killer. Much love xxx

@alicebastable "don't sell sequin caps for hayfever" - my new favorite saying !!!

hello sweetie we were planning our 2nd marriages when I found the lump fear dread everything you can think of. But my docs decided to do 3mo chemo before and after Lmast we got married idc stage2 0/3 nodes 7wks rads then 5yrs on Tamoxifen. Praise God am a 25yr Survivor. msphil