Will I get recovery time between breast cancer chemo cycles?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am undergoing the 5th cycle of chemotherapy for my left breast. For the past five months, I have been undergoing this treatment. Before chemotherapy, I was taking Ayurvedic medicine for the same problem. I took the medicine for about eight months, but it did not have any benefit.

At that time, I was not aware of the exact problem. I was advised to remove the breast completely, but by god's grace, I was referred to a doctor in oncology. The surgery has not been performed. They started with chemotherapy. Till now, I have completed 5 cycles.

Still, how many cycles are needed for me?
Will rest be given to me after the cycles?

I am unable to eat, swallow, or drink. I have lost my appetite. I have vomiting. Motions are happening from when I start eating my regular diet. I am feeling very depressed and demotivated. I have lost hope for the past five months. My left breast is healing, and the dressing is done over it.

The skin is removed from a part. My breast looks flat as if it has been removed. There is itching over the breast. Are there any chances for the regrowth of my breasts? If yes, how many months will it take? If it does not regrow, what is the alternative for that?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From your description, I fear that you have metastatic breast cancer. Usually, the surgery is done after 4 cycles of chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer. As you have undergone 5 cycles, you must be on palliative chemotherapy to control the disease.

Usually, it is reassessed every 3 cycles to know the response, and treatment is based on it, which may include a change in the type of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc. You may require a mastectomy at some stage for your ulceration of the breast, or it may be controlled with radiotherapy.

These decisions are made by your oncologist, and kindly ask him or her in detail. I am answering this based on your description. I can better answer if all reports are presented.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to reach out in case of any further queries.

Thank you.