Hi
I was Due to start chemo last Tues , but when I saw the Oncologist the Thurs before , She said I couldn’t have it as my heart scan had showed a EF ? And as chemo can be tough on the heart , wants me to see a cardiologist . I had got myself all prepared , well as prepared as you can be for chemo to being told no , so last week I really struggled with it all and felt very alone and upset . I then then saw the Surgeon/consultant Thurs just gone who has now booked me for a lumpectomy for the 3rd of Oct . It was the Consultant who wanted me to have chemo first but the Oncologist wanted the Surgery first , which did confuse me , but spoke to the breast care nurse who reassured me that the chemo would be first . Things have changed but was wondering has anyone else had this happen to them ? Thank you Nads xx
Hello Nadders8e666a
I'm sorry that you are in this situation. It's really difficult when plans that you've 'got your head around' are changed.
I've not been in your situation and I also didn't need chemo. as had ER+ BC, but as I see your post has dropped to page 2, I'm replying in the hope that someone is around now that may have a bit more information for you.
Kindest Wishes, Lesley
Hi,
Just wanted to share a little reassurance...
I was supposed to have chemo first then surgery. I hated having the tumour there and just wanted it out, but the doctor spent a lot of time explaining how chemo first would be preferable, which I felt better about once I understood. I was supposed to have 12 Paclitaxel and then 4 EC from July to December last year. After 6 weeks of Paclitaxel, I contracted sepsis from an infection in my port and was told chemo was too dangerous to return to as I recovered, so surgery was booked. I was really worried, as so much time had been put into insisting chemo first was best, and I worried that my treatment wouldn't be as effective.
I had my surgery, then went back to chemo to finish the course and on to radiotherapy.
I think what I learned was that there isn't one, set, rigid approach- it is an art as much as a science, and there are always alternative options and approaches. I remember being so frightened that the set plan was being deviated from, but actually, since then have met very few people whose journey has been straightforward or textbook or according to the initial plan.
It's definitely unsettling when you think you have a grasp of what is going on and it changes, but I think from the doctors' perspective, there's always an alternative solution if problems arise. It's really hard to relax and trust and go with the flow because all we want is certainty, but I am sure they have come up with a plan that although different, will be as effective as the initial one.
It's a lot to take in, but you'll be fine. One day at a time, and keep checking in on here if you feel overwhelmed. You've got this 
xx
