Hi, Havent posted in a while but have a few questions to ask. My sister has had a mastectomy and lymph node removal on 23rd April following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2 positive cancer. She saw the surgeon yesterday for results. At time of op her tumour had reduced from 7cm to 2mm which is brilliant news. However 2 of 7 nodes removed are still positive post chemo.
She has had around 300mls fluid drained twice from the wound since…is this common?
Also now was told yesterday she will need some radiotherapy which is what we expected but was also told she will be having some oral chemotherapy for at least 2 months. I have no idea what drug as she didnt ask! But was told it will need to be given in hospital as bloods need checking before having it. Have never heard of this scenario… any ideas what this involves?
She sees her oncologist at the end of the month and for once I will be able to go with her.
All this is ringing alarm bells for me at the moment!
Firstly, what a great Sister you are - helping your sister by asking the questions she’s probably to afraid to ask herself - you’re being so supportive and deserve a huge hug for that - so well done.
Great news, in the fact that the tumor had significantly shrunk and the operation went well.
I had similar breast cancer to your Sister. Mine was diagnosed in March 2017. I had neoadjuvant chemo with targetted therapies from May to August 2017 and finally surgery (mx and complete node removal) in Sept 2017. Following which I had a totally clear pathological report for which I am eternally grateful. However, I appreciate this is not the case for all ladies.
Is your sister still receiving Herceptin injections?
The 300mls of fluid you mention is not totally unusual - is this from a seroma? Did she have drains fitted after the op?
Although I had complete response to the chemo, I still had 15 sessions of radiotherapy. It was done as a precaution to the chest wall and the next stage up of lymph glands (in clavical area). After all your sister has been through the actual rads treatment are like “a walk in the park”… A couple of bits of advice though, the effects of rads are on-going - I still get discomfort from the areas where I received radiotherapy - so don’t panic on any weird senstations. Also, drink plenty of water and ask the radiologists for advice on which creams to use.
I can’t offer any personal advice regarding the oral chemo - although I do know there is a chemo drug called “Capecitabine” - shortened to “Cape” which is quite a commonly used drug - I know of one lady in my group who had to take this after all treatments - however, I’m sure she didn’t need to attend hospital to receive it - but did have to still go for the regular blood tests etc like you do on IV chemo.
I’m pleased to hear you’re able to support your Sister at her next onc appointment at the end of the month. Hopefully the oncologist will be able to ease your worries.
As easy as it to say, don’t worry - your Sister is in good hands - the medical teams will see to that. You are doing all you can to support and I’m sure your Sister is extremely grateful - I know I would be if you were mine.
Take care - keep positive - between you, you can defeat this awful disease… x