Hi. I’m due to have a mastectomy and node clearance this week and wondered how long after surgery might I start chemotherapy if it’s needed?
I’ve been given a rough timetable that says I get my results in around week 5, etc. so that’s when I will have a better idea of next steps of treatment.
I have a concert booked for mid October (so about 5 weeks after surgery) and wondered if I’d be able to go - assuming I feel ok by then. But I wasn’t sure if I’d be straight onto the next stage.
Thanks.
Hi Flojo,
I’m not too sure what the norm is, but I had my second surgery on 30 July and I’m due to start chemo on 5 Sept. I had a lumpectomy though, so there may well be a longer recovery time after a mastectomy. Good luck with the op!
Thank you!
Hello flojo
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you’re asking how long the recovery time will be after your mastectomy and when chemotherapy will start(if it is needed).
As @sharlou says, recovery time will vary, depending on the surgery and will be different for each person.
Chemotherapy is usually started after about 4 weeks from the appointment when you and your oncologist agree the treatment plan. Sometimes there may be a delay if there are any post op concerns (such as wound taking longer to heal)
Your treatment team will discuss your surgery results at the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT), when they will plan the next steps of treatment.
It can be difficult to make or commit to plans when waiting for treatment. If your post op recovery is straightforward you may still be able to attend the concert you have in October but its difficult to say now with any certainty.
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