Question 1

my breast cancer came back after 13 years - has radiation and chemotherapy improved since then?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I'm sorry your breast cancer came back.  Yes, chemo and radiation have both improved in the last 13 years.  Radiation is more targeted with new techniques, and there are many more chemotherapy drugs to choose from that are less toxic.  Medications to prevent side effects like nausea are also greatly improved.

Question 2

does chemotherapy work for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Different regimens for different  cancers-that vary with the cancer's hormonal and  genetic make - up. -  added time of treatment if lymph nodes positive. The biggest breakthrough is with designer targeted drugs eg.  Herceptin (trastuzumab)  aimed at its target her 2 oncogene on selective cancers-- that has a great added  response when given with chemotherapy.

Question 3

how effective is chemotherapy for treating breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very effective: Chemo initially started with combinations like CMF and then changed to combinations of antibody plus chemo such as taxol plus Herceptin (trastuzumab).  These drugs alone and in combination best used as a neoadjuvant prior to surgical resection or when at high risk in the adjuvant setting to prevent recurrence.  Once metastasis happens, there can be chemo control but cure is rare.

Question 4

what sorts of chemotherapy are most common for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

AC / Taxol (paclitaxel)  vs TCH: It all depends on the cancer's subtype  er./pr  her-2 status or in the future microarray analysis -the treatment is individualized on the tumor and patient characteristics, number of nodes may dictate extra  cycles of chemo  +/- radiation. Dose dense every 2 weeks at a lower dose is popular alternative  versus  every 3 weeks larger dose with Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) recovery.If her2+ than added Herceptin for a yr.

Question 5

should someone go through chemotherapy if she has breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: Would need to have much more information on the type & stage of breast cancer. All this information helps the medical oncologist work with the patient to determine what treatments are most likely to be needed, helpful & successful. You need to discuss this with your oncologist.

Question 6

how effective is the tac chemotherapy regimen for treating breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very!: TAC stands for Taxotere, Adriamycin, (doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide. It is one of the strongest regimens for treating breast cancer, and some would say too strong. Depending on the type of breast cancer you have, or the stage, you might be able to receive a gentler regimen. If you want to know more, get a second opinion.

Question 7

how long is  the chemotherapy for a stage 2a node negative breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

It depends: There are several chemotherapy options for stage 2a breast cancer. Characteristics of the patient and the cancer are required to make a decision on the type of chemotherapy (and whether chemotherapy is even necessary). Chemotherapy would be anywhere from about 8 weeks to a year (herceptin-or trastuzumab treatment, if recommended, requires a year of treatment).

Question 8

how can i support my friend who has undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Do support her: She may need your emotional support and other help. Go meet her and ask if you can help her with any probelms or issues of concern to her. She would appreciate your concern for her welfare and your offer to help her.Just the company of a good friend can be a big morale booster.

Question 9

please tell me what are other options besides chemotherapy for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Chemo is used when breast cancer has metastasized around the body, especially for tumors without hormone receptors (er/pr).  It also is sometimes used to kill any microscopic cells that could grow in the future.  Tumors that have er/pr may sometimes be treated with hormone therapy instead.  Her2 positive tumors may often be treated with antibodies or pills that target her2 instead of or with chemo.

Question 10

i'm just wondering, if you opt out for chemotherapy for breast cancer what is the process you go through?

Accepted Answer

Not sure if 'opt: Out' means 'refuse' or 'decide to stop'.  Either is a serious decision that requires discussion with 1 or more medical oncologists.  The 'oncotype' process defines benefit and risk of chemo in some.  However, depending on many factors (size, nodal status, receptors), the consequences vary. Perfect for second or third opinion.

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Doctor answers about:

Breast cancer came chemotherapy improved

A member asked:

My breast cancer came back after 13 years - has radiation and chemotherapy improved since then?

A member asked:

Does chemotherapy work for breast cancer?

A member asked:

How effective is chemotherapy for treating breast cancer?

A member asked:

What sorts of chemotherapy are most common for breast cancer?

A member asked:

Should someone go through chemotherapy if she has breast cancer?

A member asked:

How effective is the tac chemotherapy regimen for treating breast cancer?

A member asked:

How long is the chemotherapy for a stage 2a node negative breast cancer?

A member asked:

How can i support my friend who has undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer?

A member asked:

Please tell me what are other options besides chemotherapy for breast cancer?

A member asked:

I'm just wondering, if you opt out for chemotherapy for breast cancer what is the process you go through?

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