How long is chemo treatment?

June 2008 I was diagnosed w/IDC, 1cm with two positive nodes. Lumpectomy was done and mammosite (which was great, cut my time to 1 week 2x a day). It's been 1 week since completing rads. I will visit the oncologist within next week or so. This coincides with me returning to work. My surgeon said I'll have a port. How long does chemo last? My pathology report was grade 3, negative hormone receptor. Ki-67 was 62 %. I was told I may lose my hair. Anyone out there with a situation like mine?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  The usual chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of node-positive breast cancer after surgery involves 6-8 chemotherapy sessions given every three weeks.  There are other schedules where the chemotherapy is given more frequently, either weekly or every two weeks.  The total duration of the entire chemotherapy usually ranges from four and a half to six months. If you can post what specific drugs or regimen will be given to you, I can give you a more definite answer.