chemo first, mastectomy, radiation

christalwdavis
christalwdavis Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Diagnosed Sept. '05 - Invasive ductal carcinoma, right breast 5cm tumor; my breast surgeon recommended AC then T; mastectomy; radiation then tamoxifin. Any one been down the neoadjuvant road? I finished my AC, few side effects, now I've begun T. My oncologist said, because I've done chemo before surgery, it will be difficult to assess whether my lymph nodes were positive or negative as the chemo will have affected them. Any similar stories?

Thanks,

Chris

Comments

  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #2
    Chris,

    I had the mastectomy first but....... how old are you? Based on tumor size,etc. Why are they considering tamoxifen instead of an aromatase inhibiter?

    Mary
  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #3
    I had chemo first, then lumpectomy radiation and tamoxifen. That was in early May of 2002. I went to Arimidex two months ago took it six weeks and went back to tamoxifen, way way to many aches and pains plus had a issue with my eyes with major flashers and floaters, had them off and on for several years but this was and still is a terrible problem for me. Some better as of this week. Remember this about tamoxifen it is a old drug and we don't know the long term effect of the new drugs yet nor how long they may work, five year testing is not enough to be sure these drugs are going to be the gold standard drug. My onco which is the head of a major breast cancer hospital was some what against me changing until five years were up, I talked her into it, when I asked to go back on tamoxifen she said you and many other go back on the old tried and true. I think they can tell on the nodes if there had been cancer in them even if you have chemo first. I had two positive nodes. Best of luck to you and be strong sounds like you have the easy part left. At least once I finished chemo the rest was not difficult. Have you considered a lumpectomy if the tumor nearly disappears with chemo as a lot of them do you could maybe just have a lumpectomy. They had to put a marker in so they knew where the tumor was before I had finished chemo and I did not have taxol. Linda
  • Astrid
    Astrid Member Posts: 17
    #4
    They recommended Chemo first as your tumor was so large. Mine is 2.2cm ( I am newly diagnosed) and I have heard it recommended both ways. Chemo first so that you have a better cosmetic result with the lumpectomy. Keep in mind that they have to remove enough for clear margins and if your tumor is 5cm than they may need to remove a lot. Chemo will reduce the tumor. I am having sentinel node surgery first so that they can accurately stage me. My sentinel node surgery is this Friday and then we will go from there. I also need to wait on the results of genetic testing and that takes 5 weeks. So I may also do Chemo first.
  • Astrid
    Astrid Member Posts: 17
    #5
    I thought they recommended Chemo first if you are having a lumpectomy. My tumor is 2.2cm ( I am newly diagnosed) and I have heard it recommended both ways. Chemo first so that you have a better cosmetic result with the lumpectomy. Chemo will reduce the tumor. I am having sentinel node surgery first so that they can accurately stage me. My sentinel node surgery is this Friday and then we will go from there. I also need to wait on the results of genetic testing and that takes 5 weeks. So I may also do Chemo first.

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