Complete pathological response

I too am currently having neoadjuvant chemo. I’ve had 4 cycles of EC and one of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. After 4 cycles of EC I had an ultrasound of the tumours and was told that they had both shrunk from cm to mm. I’m very pleased with this response as it’s making all the feeling crap on chemo worthwhile. Still more chemo weekly for a bit but each one is one less. I don’t suppose I’ll have a complete response but having a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy is a real possibility. 

The EC I found made me nauseous for about 10 days and then I picked up after that ready for the next lot. My first Paclitaxel and Carboplatin has been better I’ve just been very fatigued wether or not there is a cumulative effect remains to be seen.

 I’m just trying to take each step of the treatment as it comes and trying to stay healthy so that treatment is not delayed. 

I hope your treatment goes well. Please contact me anytime to compare notes.

All good wishes 

Liz

Hi Liz,

I'm pleased it sounds like your treatment is going well.  Hopefully when I have an ultrasound after completing EC it will show a good response which would make me feel more reassured.

Sorry to hear you felt so sick on the EC but pleased paclitaxel and carboplatin don't seem as bad for you. I've been ok so far on the EC, felt a bit sick and tired but minimal side effects really and been able to carry on pretty much as normal. I am dreading switching drugs, just like I was dreading staying chemotherapy because I just don't know how each drug will affect me.

It is good to meet somebody going through same treatment and yes it would be great to compare notes. 

Best wishes,

Becky

Hi  

My lump measured 6cm when it was found.

I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy too, i had 3 x FEC (fluorouracil,Epirubicin & cyclophosphamide) and 3 x T (docetaxel)  at the end of my chemotherapy the cancer could not be seen on the MRI i had, although when i had a lumpectomy there as 1mm showing. But remember everyone is different so it doesn't mean you wouldn't get rid of it all together.

What i do know is chemotherapy does a great job.

Hi TheScriptFan

Thanks for replying, that was a really good response for you. My tumour is not that big to start with (16mm) but so far has only reduced slightly I think. I'm only mid way through second cycle of EC though and still have paclitaxel and carboplatin to come so think I need to stop worrying about it and give it time, which is easier said than done for me but will try x

Hi

LIke I had FEC-T.  I Had 4 Docetaxel first and my tumour went from 2.7cm to 1.2cm.  After having 3 out of 4 FEC, my tumour had gone completely.  I still had my 4th FEC but at a reduced level.  I had a lumpectomy and 8 nodes removed for testing.  All came back clear.

I then had 15 x rads.

Good luck with your treatment

Sounds like it went really well for you Bluebell22, good to hear and pleased for you. After 2 of 3 EC I think my lump feels smaller but only by a few mm, but it was only 16mm at the start. Hard to tell really but hopefully moving in the right direction. Got an ultrasound on 8th July after third EC so will get a more accurate picture then x

Hi

And everyone. I had my scan results today after 3 cycles of carboplatin. Chuffed to say I have had a complete pathological response from chemo and my 13mm tumour has disappeared on ultra sound and mammogram.

It's devastating to have a TN diagnosis and it's a real worry but just remember grade 3 tumours can react brilliantly to chemo. 

Keep the faith ladies!

Xx

Hi Haysie, 

That is excellent news about your scan results.

Best wishes  

Becky

Haysie

Fantastic news for you  so pleased!!  Xx

Hi Becky, 

Last year, I had 4 rounds of AC and 12 rounds of Paclitaxel. I had a 3cm tumour grade 3, with a really high Ki67 score, so they gave me aggressive chemo. It worked because I felt the tumour shrinking very quickly. I had a mastectomy and the sentinel node removed followed by 25 sessions of radiation.  I'm having a prophylactic mastectomy of the second breast in November because even if I don't have the BRACA gene, BC runs in my family and I don't want to take any chances. I was diagnosed exactly a year ago.

TNBC responds really well to chemo.

Hope all goes well for you.

Dominique