I’ve recently had repeat ultrasound scan and mammogram midway of treatment (3xDocetaxel)and will be staring FEC next week.The scan wasn’t clear and the mammogram showed no change, however when the consultant examined me she reported there was definite difference and she couldn’t feel the lymph nodes as much. At least it hasn’t got worse and it’s stable, but I’m still worried that after my 3xFEC and planned surgery I will have to have further chemo instead of the planned radiotherapy.
I know I should be positive as the consultant felt there was a change, however after my appt I have been feeling quite down.Has anyone been in similar situation?
Hi Pyari and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the support you will find here, our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support during the week 9-5 and Saturday 10-2 on 0808 800 6000 so please feel free to call to tak through your queries and concerns. You may find some further support ideas from BCC helpful, such as our ‘Live chat’ and ‘One to one support’ and you can read about these and our other services here:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
Afternoon Pyari.
You’ll probably gets lots of replies / see other posts that say everybody is different and they are… But i know that doesn’t stop you worrying. I too had Chemo before surgery 3 Fec first followed by 3 tax. I asked before any Chemo how quickly would it shrink (i’m not very patient). Onc told me he would expect it to soften / maybe change texture in first three months then start to shrink. Again how tumours respond depends very much on their size / grade / whether they are ER+ PR+ HER2+ etc… After 3rd Fec i had ultrasound and mammogram and the surgeon seemed a little disappointed it hadn’t shrunk more. I found myself reassuring the surgeon this is what the onc expected… However it was softer / my breast had visibly drooped (was lifted when i first found the lump) and it felt softer and slightly smaller when the surgeon manually checked it…
I too wondered if i would have to have more Chemo but the Onc reassured me the Chemo was ‘a recommended package’ in my case to shrink the tumour / mop up any escaped cells and protect against recurrence with Radiotherapy as a belt and braces approach just in case any cells had escaped into the immediate area. It is a recommended package whichever way round you have the Chemo / surgery. Following surgery the Tumour was found to have shrunk from 6.5cm long to only 4cm long and much thinner (it was a linear shape originally). I then had radiotherapy when scars had healed.
It sounds as if you already have your schedule planned with surgery next then Radiotherapy. I hope the rest of your treatment goes to plan. There are Monthly Chemo threads where the girls are having Chemo at the same time, which might be more reassuring for you. It feels OK to me but I am exactly twelve months ahead of you in treatment. I had my third Chemo on Boxing Day 2012 (repeat us and mamm early Jan 2013) and finished Chemo end Feb. 2013.
I am sure that your BC nurses would be able to reassure you as they will know how your unit / consultants work because again they are all different and of course there are the helpliners here at BCC.
Take Care Gilly x