Missed Chemotherapy Sessions

[Tike3]

I had my first two chemotherapy sessions in early March, the second two had to be delayed due to diverticulitis caused by my immunotherapy I had in September.

I was admitted to Christie's over Easter to resolve the diverticulitis. My question is that leaving the gap in between the sessions of chemotherapy it will not be as effective or not even work, the tumour may have grown for all I know.

I've googled which I know I shouldn't but it all says the same that in that time the cancer cells spread and grow much quicker.

I'm very scared and worried. I have the next two remaining sessions next week.

Any advice would be welcome

Thanks

Pam

[Denzie]

Three of my four sessions were postponed due to low blood cell counts. The first time one week the other times longer. Others I’ve met here or different patient to patient boards went longer than I did and seem to have come through it.

When a patient has had progression on a treatment the doctors have them go through a cleansing period before a new drug can be administered. That is often 3-4 weeks. Some patients will only tolerate chemo every 4 weeks. And others on a 3 week cycle may have to postpone 1-2 weeks for blood levels to come up.

It’s not been quite 4 weeks since Easter. I think you are safe. Well do I understand your anxiety though. It’s normal to feel this way.

If you need to talk to someone for more reassurance, do call the nurse the Roy Castle Foundation has on duty or ask your doctor’s nurse to give you a call.

[Tike3 in reply to Denzie]

Hello Denzie Hope you are well.

Thanks for reassuring me,that's why this forum is great, it's a life line really.

Some of them went longer than me, Easter has only been a few week, I'm over reacting like I do with everything.

Have you heard anymore about the Galleri Trial. My husband goes next week.

Best wishes

Pam

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle in reply to Tike3]

Hi Pam

It is understandable your anxiety, but it is not unusual for chemotherapy to be postponed until either symptoms improve, if it is side effects, or blood levels become more normal.

Treatment can often be resumed and the course completed. Your oncology team will advise or your lung cancer nurse specialist. Perhaps look on it as your body having time to recover before starting the next treatment cycle.

Not all information on the internet is reliable, it can be inaccurate and not up to date. If you are looking anything up, we would advise that you use the following websites:

roycastle.org

macmillan.org.uk

cancerresearchuk.org

If you would like to discuss anything you can either email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Tike3 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Many thanks for your reassuring advice, I'm due to have last two chemo session's next Thursday, blood to be checked Wednesday so fingers crossed it will go ahead, and as you say it's not unusual for chemotherapy to be postponed.

Thanks again

[Denzie in reply to Tike3]

You are not over reacting! Your feelings are very normal. At least I felt that way to me when mine got postponed, and others here have experienced it as well.

It’s exciting that your husband is starting that trial. I hope they learn a lot from it and can find a way to make early detection available for all.

[JanetteR57]

our anxiety is perfectly understandable but hopefully the responses so far reassure you - many patients have to have a gap in their chemotherapy sessions to resolve side effects or whilst infections or similar clear up.... your clinicians will be well versed in the art of the possible but also have a duty to do no harm so if something may mean the treatment won't work or side effects may be worse due to whatever is interfering with the treatment schedule, they have to take that into consideration. We all imagine that every minute or hour we delay is crucial but it's just as important to have as safe an experience as possible with what are very harsh treatments for our body to handle. good luck.

[Cockailschemocancer]

I had to stop treatment after 8 rounds, due to Colitis, I haven't had treatment now since September 2020 and remain stable (the cancer is still there) but stable .. I hope that gives you some hope xx

[Tike3 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Thanks for your reply. I had to stop because of Colitis, chemo next Thursday!I'm so happy that the cancer is stable, it does reasure me and gives me hope.

Best wishes