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Delayed Chemo

Shen huss
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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

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