chemotherapy after surgery

Public Archive
1

I had a left mastectomy and lymph node clearance on 1st october and now waiting to see oncologist re chemo on 18th nov, very anxious as i was initially told i would have chemo 4-6 weeks post op, but it looks like it will be 8 weeks at the earliest (just in time for xmas). could anyone tell me how long you usually wait between surgery and chemo and whether it is worth trying to speed up the nhs!

2

Hi Sue

I had a mast and axillary clearance and then chemo 6 weeks and 1 day after surgery. I was told that they like to start within six weeks. I waited 6 weeks because I had to have various scans first. Why are you waiting? Can you try and get an earlier appointment- it might be worth talking to your Breast Care Nurse and see if they can get your appointment moved forward.

I was dreading it and just wanted to get it all started so it would be finished sooner.

I found that once they had my scan results it all went quickly I had the chemo 2 days later.

Let us know how you get on.

RP

3

Hi RP
Not sure why i am waiting so long apart from dr has been off work for a week! Did leave message with dr’s secretary and was told she would ring back but nothing so far.Maybe wil try BCN instead. I get the feeling my local nhs is understaffed as i had to wait 4 weeks between diagnosis and surgery when i was initially told that would be 2 weeks, maybe they think i am not urgent. Will let u know how i get on.

4

Hi Sue

Try not to worry about this too much - after all the chemo is post cancer, surgery has hopefully resulted in total removal and this is just to mop up renegade calls. But there’s no harm in hurrying them on.

I did not start for 8 weeks after my mx, due to various complications including the fact that other people were not finished the courses they were on so no space for newbies - maybe something similar? I finished chemo in March this year. For me the surgery was the worst part - chemo is not my idea of fun and losing my hair was upsetting but I felt very supported by the chemo unit for that part of the cancer experience.

All best wishes to you both

Jane

5

Hi Jane

Thanks for that so it isn’t just me that has to wait, can i ask which hospital you were being treated at?

Will call hospital tomorrow, keep fingers crossed

6

Hello Sue

I was Dx last Oct 08 had WLE and lymph node clearance on the 27th Oct i started Chemo on the 8th Dec 08

rhian x