Pregnancy and Chemotherapy

[kavita26]

I am 26 year lady having breast cancer and pregnancy since 14.02.08. I was done MRM and after this it was found that a tumour of size 3.5x3.5x 2.3 cm in the upper outher quadrant showing the features of invasive duct carcinoma, NST, grade 3 (Nottingham modification of Bloom Richardson Grading system) was found. Now doctors have started chemotherapy with Farmorubicin 120 mg dose with 4 cycles. Please let me know is it is safe for baby since I m 26 weeks pregnant?

[lhughes]

There are certain drugs that can be safely administered during pregnancy.  Unfortunately, I don't know about yours.  I had Adriamycin and Cytoxan during my pregnancy.  I started my chemo after my first trimester.  If you are already 26 weeks, you and your baby should be ok.  You need to make sure your OB knows what is going on and whether or not a planned early delivery is necessary.

Good luck on the rest of your treatments.  Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat good healthy foods, and try to get a little exercise, like walking, everyday to help with energy and health.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear kavita26:  The decision to do chemotherapy during chemotherapy would be based on the estimated risk versus benefit in any individual case and would be decided by an oncologist.  In general, the preference is not to do chemotherapy during the first trimester of pregnancy and to wait as long as is reasonable based on risk.  The later in the pregnancy that chemotherapy is given, the less risk to the fetus.  You should discuss this specifically with your oncologist and obstetrician.