My mum was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer today, she had breast cancer 30 years ago her treatment is to have chemo 1st then surgery, dors this suggest the tumour is larger?
I am sorry to hear that your mum is having treatment for breast cancer. I can understand that this must not be an easy time for you all.
It is difficult without being involved in your mum's care in knowing exactly why they have chosen to give the chemotherapy first. Every case is treated very individually.
Sometimes they decide to give the chemotherapy first so that they can slow the growth of rapidly growing breast tissue. Or it might be given to shrink a larger breast cancer which may make breast-conserving surgery an option rather then a mastectomy.
We have some information on the different types of chemotherapy that your mum may be having which you can see here
It is always hard waiting for treatment to start as you don't quite know what to expect. I am sure that the nurses will take time to explain to your mum about what to expect and any potential side effects.
I hope that you are able to share any worries that you have with a close friend or a member of your family as it can be a hard thing dealing with this one your own.
If you feel that it would be more helpful to give one of the nurses a ring on the helpline we can try and answer some of your questions that you may well have.
We are here office hours Monday to Friday 9-5. Freephone 0808 800 4040.
