Hello - I am new to this site and started chemo on 25 May. I am triple negative and started with EC. The tumour which is large did not shrink though I think it did change. My oncologist decided to change the chemo from EC to taxotere and I had the first taxotere on Wednesday. I am feeling a little rough but my main concern is that the tumour seems to be getting bigger. It is very painful and the whole side of my breast feels solid. Has anyone experienced anything similar?
I’m also worried about what happens next if neither EC or taxotere are working. The oncologist mentioned going straight to surgery but I am guessing that if the chemo doesn’t work the long term prognosis is not good. Luckily my lymphs were clear a few weeks ago.
Hi Milly 216 - I am so sorry to hear that this is such a struggle for you.
The positive is - that it is not in your lymph nodes and that once you have had surgery - the cancer will be gone.
You may have been told that chemo is often given before surgery to have a better outcome for reconstruction, etc.
So here is to that Taxotere does the trick!
Huge hugs
Sue xxx
I had 2 large tumours (8cm and 2cm) and 26 lymph nodes affected but gas surgery first - wasn’t offered the option to shrink it. Don’t understand why surgeons do it differently? I would suggest you discuss with oncologist / surgeon before next chemo.
I have had two cycles of EC and I have lymph node involvement. My tumours are not shrinking either so I am due to have a scan in a couple of weeks. If it is not responding they will get on with the docetaxel.
I’m really scared about my prognosis now especially as I am worried it could be spreading out from my lymph nodes.