Time to start chemo after surgery

[Guest user]

I started my chemo 4 weeks after my surgery. I had a picc line fitted the week before the chemo started. Unfortunately I had a bad reaction with my first chemo and ended up on a drip with IV anti-sickness drugs. I was so glad I had the picc line as I didn't have to have another needle put in me. All the blood tests were also done through the picc line.

It took about 30 minutes to fit. It was a bit uncomfy to start off with but now, 2 weeks later, I hardly notice it. I have even gone back to lying on my arm at night.

The downsides would be not being able to have a good deep bath, and it is a little bit bulky, but at this time of year it doesn't really matter as I am wearing baggy sweatshirt most of the time. I will keep mine in until I have finished herceptin, so around 18 months, so I may feel differently in the summer.

I have a couple of friends who refused to have a picc line but I don't really understand why as it is not only easier for me but also for the nursing staff as they don't have to struggle to find veins (it took 4 attempts to get the general anesthetic into me).

For me it was the right decision but obviously you need to weigh up the pros and cons for yourself.

Caroline

[debbs38]

Thanks for your replies- thats another question do alot of people have a hickman or picc line? does it make it easier or less painful. They havent mentioned it yet but seeing onc next week.
thanks x

[Guest user]

Hi, I had a two month delay between surgery and chemo - partly at my request to allow me to decide if I wanted chemo, also to allow me to have a week's holiday and then another week waiting for my hickman line to be inserted.

My onc said good practice is to have chemo within two months of surgery/diagnosis, so I wouldn't worry too much - make the most of it!

If it was urgent that you had chemo I am sure they would make sure you got it quickly.

good luck

Helen.

[Guest user]

Hi,
That's about right, I think they like to make sure that the wound had healed sufficiently before they go ahead. I had the same and started my 6x FEC about 6wks after treatment. Also, it gives you time to get it all sorted in your head- which is also an important part of this journey!!

Hope all goes well for you

Sarah xx

[debbs38]

hi there, just wondering how long it took people on average from surgery lumpectomy to starting chemo- just been told I'll be having FEC x 6 and my doctor says could be 6-8 weeks after surgery, but this seems quite a long time waiting and just wondered what others had done, or if this is standard elsewhere.
Many thanks