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Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Lee86
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Hi there, 

At 36 I have recently been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma grade 3 with Ki67 of 90% It reads on my diagnostic report that my mammogram reported right M5 70mm lesion ,45mm lesion  2 abnormal lymph nodes and right axilla showed metastatic carcinoma. I am yet to be given a stage.

The Doctor suggested that this would most likely lead to a mastectomy and is also referring me for neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, I just wanted to ask if a little more light could be shed as to why chemo before surgery is an option as opposed to far more typical chemo proceeding surgery.

I know these are things I can and should discuss with my doctor which I intend, however I’ve found myself anxiously waiting for further scan results  and  would appreciate any insight.

Thank you so much for your time.

kind regards

  • Dear Lee86,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Jo and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It is understandable that you want to know as much as possible about your diagnosis and treatments. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be offered for several different reasons. For some, it is because their cancer is large or is growing more quickly. People with certain types of breast cancer such as inflammatory breast cancer, HER2 positive cancer or triple negative cancer may also be offered chemotherapy before surgery. The purpose of the chemotherapy is to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and to shrink the size of the cancer before the operation.

    Your doctors will be able to fully explain their reasons for recommending neoadjuvant chemotherapy for you. You have shared that your cancer is Grade 3, which can also be called ‘high grade’. Grade 3 cancers grow faster than Grade 1 (low) and Grade 2 (intermediate) cancers. This may be one of the reasons why they are considering it. Talking to your breast care team can help you get the information you need to understand what is happening and why.

    It can be a very anxious and tough time, waiting for scan results and while your hospital team decide what is the best treatment for your cancer. Trying to take a sense of control during this waiting period can help. Sometimes being able to share experiences with others in a similar situation can be invaluable. Our Breast Cancer Forum on our Online Community offers this type of support.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Jo, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/RH

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