surgery after chemo

[rizzo]

i had a lumpectomy followed by 8 cycles chemo and have decided
to have mastectomy rather than go thru radiation.  can the
surgery disrupt any stray cancer cells that might still be
in the breast and cause more harm than good or is this just my imagination.
also, my doctor said 76% 5 year survival for stage 2 (2cm.tumor
with 1 node positive,er+)  and i have heard so many conflicting
things, what is your 5 year survival rate.

[dammie]

I see you made your decision since the last posting that we wrote.  My last chemo was 2/19/04 and my mastectomy is scheduled for next month (I too decided against radiation)  I decided on a bilateral to not take any chances.  How much time has your surgeon advised you to wait after your chemo for your surgery?  Have you opted for reconstruction?  We seem to be going through the same turn of events.  Keep in touch.  Good luck and my prayers are with you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear rizzo, 1) No surgery does not do this. 2) According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual, 2003 edition, 10 year overall survival statistics for Stage IIa breast cancer are reported at 81%.