Lump changes during neo-adjuvent chemo

Hi Elsie77

It's so difficult to know, because we are all different. Mine shrunk on EC, but T did nothing at all. And the infected node didn't respond to anything at all.

Sometimes the tumour just dies, without any obvious sign.

It's impossible to know until the post surgery path results are back.

For what it's worth, I'm 2 1/2 years out from the end of treatment now, and still NED.

Hugs xx

Hi toxophilite

Thanks for your reply.  I'm just trying to get ahead of myself as always. I don't like surprises and would be devastated if the chemo doesn't have any effect on the beast. At least if I'm a bit prepared this would be easier to take. Sometimes I feel it and it does feel different but then I think it's in my head.

I've also being wondering how long after chemo do they do the surgery, does this differ depending on which trust you are under? 

Hi Elsie77

I had 3 rounds of FEC followed by 4 rounds of docetaxel with herceptin and pertuzumab.

My tumour was 13mm by 15mm and after about the 2nd Fec it started to ache but to me it felt the same from the outside. (I have also had a coil fitted ready for the operation). 

When I had an ultrasound after finishing FEC and starting T etc although to me it felt not very much different, the lady who did the ultrasound struggled to find it. She could see nothing round the coil but there was a 3mm by 5mm mass which she was unsure if it was the tumour or calcium below the coil. I am for now assuming it was still the tumour 

I have not had a scan since finishing chemo so have no idea what effect the rest of the treatment has had but have an operation booked for start of September so should know more then 

As others have said we all react differently,so it's so hard to tell.

I hope you are feeling ok.xx 

I have my mid chemo mammogram and breast scan on Monday...really interested to see the results, and I'm going to ask if I can see the titanium marker. My lump was 22mm, although I felt it was bigger, and I can still feel something but it's different. I was told my lumpectomy would be 4 to 6 weeks after finishing chemo so I'm thinking op before Xmas and radiotherapy after x

Thanks. I'm not too far behind you so I should be about the same. My last chemo is 21/10 (if they run to schedule).

I felt my lump was bigger than they stated too but it may just have been tissue around the lump?? My lump area does feel different but there is definitely something there still. I havn't been advised on any mid treatment scans / monitoring as yet. I'm due to see the consultant September so may find out then.