Can I Have a Mastectomy Before Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer?

Chemo and immunotherapy helps shrink the tumor and thereby helps with the surgery. Ask your doctor what he/she thinks will be the pathological response with the treatment.

it’s common to do it this way. Some types and stages they may allow it opposite but even with a mastectomy not all breast tissue is removed (there is some still attached to the chest wall) so this is the best way to shrink it and make sure they are removing all they can.

Hello Grace, What I have learned the hard way is that you can choose whatever you want. It's your choice. Do your research and ask a lot of questions. I know the chemo shrinks it, as Ram stated. I think they prefer to go in and remove a small or what is left over of a tumor rather than a larger one. Sometimes, there is targeted radiation. Everything depends on the size, location, and other factors. Good luck 🙏

I struggled with decision and finally chose chemo first . Found out that my cancer responded favorably to the chemo. Tumor shrunk to 0

When I was first diagnosed in 2011 it was in my left breast. I had a bilateral mastectomy because of my family history. I was stage 2. No chemo or radiation. Just an aromatase inhibitor for 7 years. I thought I was good no chance of recurrence, but to my surprise it came back with a vengeance in 2023. I have mLBC in my spine and my peritoneal cavity. Currently I take Ibrance, Fasledex and Xgevia. My lab numbers have come down and no new spots. Just tell them what you want it’s your body. Prayers and love your way.

Treatment timing decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when facing such a significant diagnosis. Many patients wonder about the sequence of treatments and whether surgery-first might be an option in their specific situation. The order of treatments often depends on factors like tumor characteristics, size, and individual medical circumstances that only the treatment team can fully evaluate. This is definitely worth having a detailed conversation with the oncology team to understand the reasoning behind their recommendation and explore whether alternative sequencing might be appropriate. What questions are planning to ask at the next appointment?