What counts as 'responding to chemotherapy'?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

Does it have to be both:

1. Cancer markers coming down

1. Tumour size reducing by a certain %?

Or would 'responsive' be either of those?

Posing for the hive mind knowledge of AIBU, as I very tired and slow today after my vaccine yesterday but trying to learn stuff regarding my mother's (quite complex) cancer situation.

In my experience it is both and the fact that the body has a tolerance for the chemo treatments. But you should ask your mum’s oncologist.

Good luck to you and your mum. Chemo is my worst memory ever

to you

It might depend a bit on the context the chemo is happening. Chemo can be used in different ways depending on the cancer/ situation

1. As the main treatment eg in leukaemia
2. To shrink a tumour before surgery
3. To treat any residual cells after surgery
4. As a non curative treatment to keep cancer at bay

If it’s a complex situation I would see if you can talk to your mum’s team. Often there are nurse specialists who might be able to talk to you if you can’t get to an appointment.