Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Delayed Chemo

Shen huss
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 349 views

Hi there, I just needed some advice on delayed chemo. I've been diagnosed with grade 3 DCIS invasive breast cancer. It has spread to all the lympnodes so I will need full lymphnode clearance and mastectomy. 

The lump is so large I need chemo first to shrink everything before the op. I am on the 4 cycles of EC (red devil) chemo and then will need 12 cycles of a different kind.

My issue is I have only managed one cycle so far and my liver is showing high on my blood tests. Each week it's higher than the last. They keep delaying everything for a week but so far the levels have not decreased. They did an ultrasound of the liver and said it looked OK, my body is just struggling with the medication. My issue is I've been told my cancer is so advanced and is aggressive and it's making me worry about all the delays. Could the cancer pottentionally spread if they don't act faster? 

Thanks,

  • Hi Shen huss

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.

    My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.  

    I’m sorry to hear that your liver bloods are high after your first cycle of Etoposide and Carboplatin (EC) chemotherapy.

    Changes to your chemotherapy plan are not uncommon. A common side effect of EC chemotherapy can be changes to the liver, they don’t usually cause symptoms, but are picked up on blood tests. It's good to hear you have had an ultrasound scan of your liver and it looked ok. Your medical team will continue to monitor your blood results and may consider adjusting the type, dose and/or frequency of the chemotherapy.  

    It may be helpful to have a discussion with your breast care nurse or medical team to understand next steps for your treatment, as we don’t have access to your medical records and can only provide general information.

    It’s understandable that this is a worry for you due to the delays in treatment and uncertainty. These well-being resources and Penny Brohn cancer well-being charity may be useful to take a look at to for help you manage these feelings.

    I can see that you’ve joined the Breast cancer forum on the Macmillan Online Community. I hope you are finding this helpful and supportive.

    Please don’t hesitate to give the nurses a call on Macmillan Support Line by phone or webchat as we are available 7 days, 0800 - 20.00.

    Breast Cancer Now also have a support line where you can speak directly to a breast care nurse, and they have a range of information and resources that you may find helpful.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Karen, 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 send us an email. 

    Ref/KHe/IY

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007