How soon will I know if I need chemo after breast cancer diagnosis?

My surgeon gave me a pre-surgery plan that did not include chemo or hormones and would include 6 weeks of radiation. I was also told that could change after the actual surgery and pathology report from the lumpectomy and lymph node/s that were removed during the surgery were reviewed. I just had my surgery 8/14/25 and have my first post operative meeting with my surgeon on 8/22/25 so I have yet to hear whether the preoperative plan will be changed but I am aware it can change. I gather that accepting changes can happen post surgery is normal to get the best care possible. I am though going to sign up for a monthly oncology support program given by the hospital I had my cancer surgery at. I figure I can sit and listen, each month, until I feel comfortable with how my future around cancer is unfolding. That program, like joining the Outcomes4me app community just gives me more information as needed. My surgeon and the team around her (which also includes a Certified Genetic Counselor for Cancer Services) will be my primary source but these other sources will act as comfortable second streams of information though I have to admit I do not want all of that to consume my life entirely. Life is to be lived and that means cancer and all it might entail only gets to be a small piece of my life!

Thank you for experience, helps a lot on what to expect

I was told before my lumpectomy that I would not need chemo or radiation. At my meeting with my surgeon a week after the surgery that changed I did not need chemotherapy, but I did have to have 20 radiations which I completed and honestly have to say I had no side effects whatsoever a little itching, minimal burning and that’s because I took the minister cream with me and In the dressing cubicle after each one starting at number one I smothered my breast with the cream and I think that really helped to minimize side effects. I also had the genetic testing and was fortunate to find out that I am not predisposed for other cancers, which was a huge relief. my oncologist firmly believes that my DCIS stage zero was caused by the stress of the loss of my partner a year ago. I did not have a lump I had calcifications, but was advised to get rid of it immediately so that it did not have a chance to go anywhere else. I have my first mammogram in December and I will just keep my fingers crossed that this was a one and done and I wish everybody else good luck and as long as you have a great surgeon, a great oncologist and the ability to ask questions, and the knowledge to ask the right ones through research on your own, you are on the road to healing. Hugs to all.

Monistat cream typo above - Siri again !!

I was told that I did need chemo even though we still don't have all the answers. I haven't started any treatments yet, however, I've already had a chemo port implanted. It's been 17 days. I just had a PET/CT scan Yesterday and I have two more biopsies in 4 days. What I have learned is that different tests reveal different things. What one tests shows, another can show something different

So the oncologist said you need chemo without all the answers??

@carole S. What’s in the monistat cream that helps with radiation?

@Cristina - well, it's triple negative IDC and even though I tested negative for the BRACA gene, there's a strong family history of BC. So yes, chemo was always a factor in my treatment. But additional scans/imaging etc determined that I also have Encapsulated Breast cancer.

The timing for treatment decisions can vary, but many patients receive initial treatment plans during their first surgical consultation, especially after imaging results are available. Your medical team will likely need pathology details from a biopsy and results from your upcoming MRI to make the most informed recommendations about whether chemotherapy or hormone therapy would be beneficial in your specific situation. This waiting period can feel overwhelming, but gathering complete information helps ensure the treatment plan is tailored specifically for you.