MRI shows breast cancer has shrunk - what does this mean?

Hello Irish that is fantastic news, having a lump the same size as yours was, this gives me hope for the upcoming treatment, you must be chuffed to bits xx

Thanks Fee, yes I am a bit astounded to be honest, and very pleased 

Hi,

It is good news your tumor has responded to chemo. So even when the tumor disappears they can't say for certain if all the cancer cells have died that is why they need to take some tissue out and examin it in the lab. Surgery is a must and can't be avoided to be on safe side. I hope this makes sense. Xx

Thank you, I really appreciate this explanation, it makes sense

Hi. That sounds to me like fantastic news. I was told at the time of my diagnosis that a clip would be inserted at some point so that they know what area to remove during surgery.

My chemo should have started tomorrow but has been delayed due to emergency dental work xx

Well done you! That is excellent news.

I had a similar size lump, and had good results at the MRI scan after cycle 2..... I was amazed chemo could work so fast.  But yes, even though at the end of my chemo the MRI scan showed no trace of the cancer I still had to have the operation (lumpectomy) just to be sure that all traces was removed.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment and I am sure the good news you have received today will have given you a massive lift and make it all worthwhile x

Thanks for sharing your experience, that's really helpful. And yes, amazed it can work so fast x

Hello Irishgirl.

I started off with lump the same size as yours and one positive node. I just finished the chemo 3 weeks ago. I had two MRIs during chemo and was very relieved that the lesion had shrunk. Even before the last chem the positive node had completely gone and the lump had nearly gone [hoping that the last dose did for it good and proper]. I had the clips put into lump and node at the time of diagnosis. It was done with local and painless. A couple of weeks ago I had magnets put in to the same places, also with local. These are to assist the surgeon to locate the correct bits to remove.

Going tomorrow for lumpectomy and a sample of nodes to be removed............I have my fingers and toes crossed that there are no nasty cells left. Surgeon and onc are both pleased with what they called a 'considerable' response to the chemo and this has saved me from needing to have a complete mastectomy and axillary clearance.  If I had not agreed to the chemo first, that was the only option for me

I think softening and shrinking are both good signs. Good to know the chemo has done a lot of damage to the cancer.

Keep safe :-)

Thanks Wallydug, thanks for your encouraging response and how brilliant for you, good luck tomorrow x

Hi. I have today had my last chemo session. I have lobular hr2 positive. My Tumour was 5.1 cm with satellite tumours around it i also had multiple lymph nodes involved. After my 3rd chemo of docetaxal, carboplatin, herceptin and pertuzumab, ( sorry don't know the abbreviations) I had an ultrasound. This showed everything had gone. Breast totally palpable after 2nd round. I am now booked in for mastectomy on 3rd June with expandable implant, then radiotherapy, then permanent reconstruction from tummy. Whilst still carrying on with herceptin. 

There is nothing like having good news and can't wait to get back on with my life. Well done you.!!!!

Like everyone else it is very hard and many a time I have wanted to give up but family have won me over. 

Don't give up anyone you can do it. X