Hi all-
I dont know why this is even on my mind, but I’m scared chemo wont work. The doctors are following the keynote 522 protocol for this diagnosis (inflammatory triple negative bc)
Is chemo not working at all for breast cancer common?
Thank you!
Hi anxiouswoman1984
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Lisa
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Hi anxiouswoman1984,
Thank you for posting. It sounds like a difficult time for you at the moment, and it’s understandable that you have some questions about the chemotherapy protocol that has been recommended for you and also whether this treatment works.
Chemotherapy works by destroying cancels cells, but also affects the healthy cells throughout the body, which can cause many different side effects. Research studies have consistently shown that chemotherapy does work to help treat breast cancer, and which chemotherapy plus other additional drugs may work best in different situations.
The Keynote 522 trial showed that, for people with triple negative breast cancer, when the immunotherapy pembrolizumab was given alongside chemotherapy, more cancer cells were destroyed.
If you haven’t done so already, do talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team about your concerns. They can explain why this protocol has been recommended in your case and answer any questions you have.
It’s natural to worry about starting a new treatment and sometimes talking to others going through a similar experience can be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can put you in touch with a trained volunteer to talk to for support. You may also find our chemotherapy monthly threads helpful, to talk to others starting chemotherapy at the same time.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.