Chemo start

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

I had a mastectomy on 24 Jan and met with oncologist yesterday who confirmed chemo will start in 3 weeks. So that’s 10 weeks, post op. Is this ok? What’s the max time? X

2

I started my chemo about 7 weeks after my surgery (bilateral lumpectomy, not mastectomy). I had healed very well by this time, and the chemo nurses said that it was important to be healed well, prior to starting chemo. Best wishes to you x

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3

Thanks for replying. I’m healed but apparently there’s a bit of backlog in bristol so mine will be 10 weeks. I’m ready to start now and it’s so frustrating waiting another 3 weeks x

4

There is always so much waiting, isn’t there? It’s frustrating, when you are healed and ready - but the time will pass quickly. Use these next three weeks to spend some quality time, and look after yourself x

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5

Hi

Mine was nearly 12 weeks from surgery to chemo. It did come round very quickly, but the waiting is the hardest.

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6

I was told maximum time was 12 weeks. They aim to start treatment within 12 weeks post op.
Hope this helps

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7

Nurse phoned today and things are now moving. Picc line on Friday then chemo should start next week x

8

Hello stafford22

Thanks for posting.

There aren’t guidelines on the maximum waiting times for chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer. But there are guidelines that explain treatment is to be given within 31 days from decision to treat. The 31 days will be from when you and your oncologist met on the 10th of March, so 3 weeks is within that time frame.

Most women will start chemo within a few weeks of their operation. It’s important the wound has healed as @teedee says. There may be delays if there are other issues such as repeat surgery being needed or for any other health reason.

10 weeks seems a little longer than the usual wait. But as you explain there is a backlog in your area and @Luskentyre1 and @bigpickle explain they had a 12 week wait.

You may be interested in the range of free services we offer including our chemotherapy monthly threads on these forums

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Best wishes

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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