waitng for surgery

I think your doc is using a fairly new approach, chemo first to destroy cells then remove tumor. Sometimes they even radiate first, from what I've seen this approach helps shrink the tumor. Hang in there girl! To be honest usually by the time a tumor is found microscopic cells have already gone out somewhere else. The chemo attacks all rapid dividing cells which is why we have hair loss. Your tumor should be basically chemofried! Now doc goes in to 'clean up'. Sooo, calm deep breathing, positive attitude, and find a source of strength...for me it is God. Keep us posted. I'll pray for your peace with this, surgery soon with a competent surgeon and a speedy recovery! God bless. hummingbyrd

My biopsy was done on January 14, positive for lobular carcinoma and the date of surgery was set for February 20. Between those two dates, the bone scan, CT scan, MUGA scan and a million xrays were done, medical clearance was obtained, etc. I was very uncomfortable with the time span between the biopsy and the surgery. Had the same concern about cells having the time to float all over the place. However, the tumor evolved over a period of time far longer than six weeks. Following the surgery, there was a 3 week period before chemotherapy was started. Again, I wanted to get started in order to stop anything remaining in its tracks. Since chemo interferes with new cell growth, it was necessary for the surgical incisions to have a chance to start healing prior to starting chemotherapy. The method you are following is very effective, Monica. We all go a little crazy over details and especially delays. As long as we all have one another to bounce our concerns off of, we'll do fine. Love, Denise

I had 4 rounds of chemo before surgery, then 4 more rounds after surgery. My 4th chemo was Jan 3 and my surgery Jan 30, my chemo started up again Feb 17. They do want to make sure your immune system is up to fighting infection and will heal you before the surgery. But I know the waiting drives you nuts. Just keep in mind that the chemo has already killed some of the cancer cells not only in the tumor, but in the lymph nodes as well, so less lymph nodes will probably test postive for cancer.

They thought I had imflammatory cancer because at the speed it grew prior to the 1st chemo (3cm to 9 cm in 3 weeks). I don't know if that's why they opted for chemo first with you, but you should ask why. There are some good web sites specifically dealing with IBC. If that's you, go find out what could have happened if they had not done the chemo first.

Good luck and I'll be praying for you.
Ryley

I am 47 found 6cm lump in left breast and under armpit (lympnodes) Doctor was smart and did 12 weeks of AC chemo first which shrunk down lumps to smaller then peas size so now surgery will be much easier on my body. I have my last chemo tomorrow and then wait for surgery until 21 August. Yes I have had same fears but so far my Doctor has been super smart so I will trust him the rest of the way. use the time to get better and stronger. Do you every go on the chat site? I am on there oftern screen name....Kimm GOOD LUCK AND ask for blessings and prayers.

have u had your surgery? just found this we-site.