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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Chemotherapy Treatment is it a must
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Chemotherapy Treatment is it a must
by rocco, Sep 17, 2001 12:00AM
I had a masectomy 19-06-01. The results of my path. report were as follows: the tumor type was metaplastic carcinoma, perineural invasion was absent, and all node were removed and negi., the estrogen and pro. recp. were(-) the hormone recp. were estr.(+). As to date I have not had my app't with the oncologist. I had been told because of my age (42) I will have no choice but to undergo chemo. I was wondering if this is ture and how long and sever the treatment will be? I have been told several times that I have been lucky that my cancer was treated on time and that they (doctors) believe the got it all. Will the length I am waiting for treatment effect the outcome. I thought that chemo should be done no later than 12 weeks after surgery or it loses its benefits?
Very concerned.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 17, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Rocco, The determination of whether or not to recommend adjuvant chemotherapy is based on different factors, such as tumor size, lymph node status, ER, PR status etc. Age is not necessarily a factor. Adjuvant treatment is given after surgery if there is the concern that there may be a possibility that the cancer may have spread. I do not know what the size of your tumor was, and with negative lymph nodes, the mastectomy may be all the treatment that you need. Adjuvant treatment is usually started about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery if it is recommended.
Rocco