Second look surgery

[jocko]

I was interested in your answer to a previous question enquiring about what questions to ask.
I met a fellow patient who had 3 initial chemos, then de-bulking surgery followed by the rest of her chemo (remaining 3 treatments) because her surgeon wanted to try and reduce the size of the tumor before operating. Is this rare? It seems to have paid off in her case. Her tumor had shrunk by over 50%. The surgery was possible.
Also, what is your opinion of second look surgery. I had it, and I'm glad that I did for my own peace of mind. Why is it so controversial?
I understand that it is not been proven to change the outcome of an eventual relapse, but I have never found the reason why. Is that because of the no. of women who are still found to have microscopic disease at second look, therefore still needing more treatment with an uncertainty as to eventual prognosis?
My results all came back negative. Is there not a glimmer of hope in that?
Many thanks.

[Patann]

I too had chemo before surgery for the reasons you say (actually five rounds because the surgery would have fallen right at Christmas, so I asked to wait until later), then more after. I was told it was standard treatment, so I don't think it's unusual.