I have stage III, IBC, triple-negative breast cancer, finished FEC & Taxotere chemo, modified radical mastectomy with 17/21 positive nodes, and just finished 33 days of radiation on 9/11, should I have chemo again and what kind now?
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with ExpertsSponsored Offer
- Resources
10/ 4/09 2:56pm
DJ, I wouldn't think you'd have another round of chemo so quickly after the first; that's not usually how it goes. I wouldn't expect you'd have to have chemo again unless, sometime in the future, you have a metastasis. At any rate, this is a quesiton for your oncologist, who's directing your treatment. We're survivors here on this site, and we love to reach out a helping hand, but treatment decisions are usually in the hands of your oncologist. If for some reason you don't trust his/her judgement - you'd best find a new doc, because you'll be having a long relationship with this person. Good luck - PJH
10/ 4/09 3:59pm
DJ, It sounds like you have finished the usual course of treatment for triple-negative IBC. I am also an IBC survivor with a similar positive node count (16/24 positive nodes), so I understand you are concerned about whether you have had enough treatment. As PJ says, your own oncologist is the best person to decide whether more chemo is a good idea. If there are specific details about your treatment that vary from the usual case of IBC, you might want to get a second opinion about what to do.
After so many months of treatments and "Doing" to get rid of your cancer, you are entering a difficult period where you have to have faith that cancer is now past tense for you while still being alert for possible signs of its return. It's not easy, but you have gotten through the hardest part.
10/ 5/09 10:12am
I will speaking with my oncologist this week. Duke onc said that chemo after is a recommendation and in the Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelins for Patients put out by ACS and NCCN from 2007, it is listed as a recommendation for Stage III locally advanced breast cancers/IBC. And since having TNBC there are no sex hormones or biological treatments to take. I was trying to find out if there was anyone out there that did this after ending the other treatments and has the same diagnosis as I do.
I do have faith in my onc doc and others on my team, but it helps to know what others in my situation have done. I live in a university town that is not very large, so few people with my same diagnosis, so I reached out to find information. Where did you get a good list of possible signs of return. My doctor told me, but I like written word. Thanks for yor help.
10/ 5/09 5:28pm
The usual order for IBC Stage IIIb patients is chemo, surgery, maybe more chemo depending on the pathology report, and then radiation. I've noticed in the 11 years since I was diagnosed that oncologists are tending to put more and more of the chemo before surgery. If your oncologist thinks you need more chemo based on the NCCN 2007 guidelines, then it may be that you haven't yet had the maximum dosage usually given of those drugs. Your oncologist is the one who knows exactly what your medical history is, the total amount of chemo you've had so far, and the details of your pathology report. I know many women with your diagnosis, and most of them had all their chemo before radiation; however, your situation may have some variations.
There are so many possible signs of a recurrence depending on where it is, that most doctors tell patients to call them for any unusual pains or symptoms that last longer than two weeks. Most of the time a virus or muscle strain will get better within two weeks, so that's why they tend to use that time frame.
10/ 4/09 5:04pm
Have no answers to your question. I just noticed the urgency in your voice and wanted to wish you well.
10/ 4/09 9:53pm
DJ, I personally found it scary to finish all my treatments. As long as I was having some sort of treatment, I knew I was fighting back. It's a little scary to know that you've done all you can for now, but look at what you've done -- quite a lot.
Your oncologist should guide you here. I had two rounds of two different chemos, back to back, but the type of tumor you have has a lot to do with that.
Instead I would suggest you look at the lifestyle things you can do. don't drink, and walk half an hour every day. Ask your oncologist to tell you the whole, unvarnished truth about alcohol. There's research demonstrating that women who exersize are less likely to have either a spread or a recurrence.
You do everything you can. The you get on with LIFE. Good luck to you!
10/ 5/09 10:21am
Yeah, I have a lot of weight to lose, so hopefully can get in pool soon for water aerobics. I have arthritis in knees, feet, and back, so not a whole lot of walking but do until start hurting too bad. I will start yoga soon, too.
It would feel good to be back to a normal weight and be healthy.
Thanks for the reply.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By DJ— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 10/04/09
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
As a survivor a helping hand can sometimes be just a yes, I did that, or no, I have the same diagnosis, and that's not what I did. It starts a conversation that could help in making a decision when decision time comes for the cancer patient. Thanks.