NEO-ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

The term neo-adjuvant means that the chemotherapy is being given before the surgical treatment of the breast cancer to shrink a tumor. This may be done to allow for breast preservation or if your doctors feels your surgery may positively impacted by shrinking your tumor.

Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy prior to the initiation of your chemotherapy or my perform an US guided fine needle biopsy of the lymph node.

Yes. Most people are able to continue working while they are being treated with chemotherapy for their breast cancer. It may be possible to schedule your treatments later in the day or right before the weekend so they don't interfere as much with your work schedule. You may have to adjust your work schedule while receiving chemotherapy, especially if you have side effects.

Is the Chemotherapy Is Working?

Chemotherapy given while the tumor is in place, will cause the tumor to shrink. You may under go repeat US or breast MRI in addition to clinical breast exams. Some people may think that their chemotherapy treatment is not working if they do not experience side effects but this is not the case. If your tumor does not appear to be responding by shrinking your doctors may decide to change drugs, re-biopsy the tumor and send it for evaluation for chemotheraputic sensitivity. Alternatively, surgery may be indicated.