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Tumour not shrinking

Las60
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I have been diagnosed with grade 2 invasive ducal carcinoma ER 8 PR8 Her 2 positive. 
I have had 4 cycles of neo adjuvant chemotherapy, After 2 cycles the scan showed that the tumour had started to shrink but the latest scan showed that the tumour had increased in length but was very slightly thinner in depth. I feel very disheartened, and concerned that the chemotherapy isn’t working or possibly making it worse. Am I being too pessimistic, and should just expect more cycles of chemotherapy for it to work ? I’m just about coping with the side effects of the chemo, but it is a struggle. 
Thank you 

  • Hi Las60,

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling very disheartened about the result of your recent scan and concerned that the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy isn’t working. This sounds like a difficult time for you.

    I wonder whether you have spoken to your breast cancer team about how you are feeling. If not, then it would be as well to do so. They are in the best place to offer specific information and support about your concerns as they are familiar with your diagnosis and treatment and have access to your medical records.

    It is normal to experience lots of different emotions when you have a cancer diagnosis, there is no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important that you don’t feel alone in dealing with these. There are a number of ways that we here at Macmillan can offer emotional help so please do get back in touch.

    I see that you have joined the breast cancer forum on our online community, and hope you are finding this supportive. There is also information and support available through the Breast Cancer Now forum.

    If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

    I hope this information is helpful.

    Best wishes,

    Jo

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref: JD/PW

     

     

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