My mum is diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and has been advised on chemo before surgery. Is chemo necessary?

Hi Worried,
I am glad that information helped you. I know that it is a scary time and that this may be a painful but be strong for your her and help her get through this as I am sure that she is scared too.

I am also a daughter of a breast cancer survivor and just as any surgery, there is pain associated with treatment and I think the absolute BEST remedy is love, understanding and being there to help her through this is the best solution.

Can you keep us posted on how she is going?
Sending a big hug,
Missie

Hi Miscortes,

Thank you so much for the quick reply and information. They were very helpful as I was getting lost in googling more info in the midst of my worries. As much as I know Chemo might be the most common treatment for cancer, I also understand what it will do to her body and was hoping for a possibility that my mum might not have to undergo that pain.

Hi Worried,
Thank you for your question and welcome to EmpowHer. I am sorry to hear your Mom (Mum) was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a great question as I was recently looking up information myself about this subject. There is nothing to worry about...

This approach is called neoadjuvant therapy and increases the chances of survival and this is a good thing. Now, there is alot of information about this so I will provide you with two links so you can read more information. The National Cancer Institute explains the therapy in great detail, just follow this link http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/adjuvant-breast.

You can also read this article as I thought it was interesting as well http://bcrfcure.healthology.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-treatment/breast-cancer-chemotherapy/article169.htm.

I hope his helps and settles your nerves about your Mom. Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Missie