Firstly, i’m new to this site but have been reading the forums for quite a while now & find them v.useful!
I was diagnosed in June with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, with secondaries in my bones. Unfortunately, I am Triple Negative - ie, there are no targeted therapies available to me!
I completed 6 courses of Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy (Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide) which appeared to work initially - After the 4th session, I had a CT Scan which showed a fantastic reduction in the tumour, so much so, it was hardly spotted on screen. However, 4 weeks after the 6th & final Chemo session, the lump returned, I am so confused as to how this can happen, especially so soon after chemo & that it appeared to be working so well.
I met with my consultant yesterday who is still against surgery - Could you please advise me??? I feel I would prefer to have a mastectomy now as opposed to more chemo, as it may not work either, The surgeon said he may do it for psychological reasons. Surely, if the tumour is removed, there is less chance of a reoccurence? & then i could go for radiation & further chemo…
Welcome to the forums. You’ve come to the right place for support as many of the users of this site have a wealth of information and experience between them.
While you are waiting for replies could I suggest that you give our free helpline a ring on 0808 800 6000 and have a confidential chat with one of the breast care nurses who are here to support you through this, lines are open to Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00
You (and your consultant) might be interested in this link (to a recent Times article entitled ‘Terminal breast cancer survival jumps if original tumor removed’ (The Times seems to have adopted American spelling)
It seems as tho’ recent research is coming down in favour of removing the original tumour, even with a Stage IV diagnosis as there now seem to be definite benefits in doing this.