Chemotherapy

[ks1966]

Hello everyone. My partner had a mastectomy early last June. She's due to start chemo next weeks as a "preventive" measure (stage 3). I was wondering if the 6 week wait was too long?

[Sandy108]

Hi,

I had a mastectomy in early Jan and didn't start my chemo (also preventative) until March.

The reason for this my case was, the advanced cancer (stage 2) was not found until after surgery, I then had an Oncotype test to determine the chances of reoccurrence and started a few weeks after the test results came back.

The doctors didn't think the gap would make would difference especially as the cancer had already been removed and the chemo was a preventative measure. I think it also gives a good recovery period following surgery as the chemo knocks your immune system right down and she might be more at risk if she is not fully recovered.

I hope wife is recovering well after the surgery, it can daunting starting the chemo and can feel like it's a lifetime until it's over, but the time has flown by for me, my advice is take it one treatment at a time.

I hope everything goes well x

[ks1966 in reply to Sandy108]

Thank you so much for your response. It's a life experience. We hope to cope as much as we can

[ks1966 in reply to Sandy108]

Did your cancer spread to the Lymph nodes. My partner had cancer in 4 out of 24 nodes

[Sandy108 in reply to ks1966]

I was lucky, it's hadn't spread to my lymph nodes.!

If you are worried though about the time between surgery and chemo, speak to your breast care nurse, they are always happy to help.!

This site is also fab for advice and support.!x

[ks1966 in reply to Sandy108]

Thanks 😊

[Gracie66]

I had a mastectomy in early July and started sept 10 with Chemo.. They like you to be fully healed as chemo depresses the immune system and the ability to heal slows down, so any scars or wounds that are still in the healing stage might have problems. mine was actually delayed as i had a problem with one wound that just would not close...

Good Luck to your partner with her Chemo... tell her take all of the meds they offer for anti sickness and listen to her body... if it's every 3 weeks, she will have a cycle and whatever way cycle one goes for her, it will probably be that way for the rest of the treatments... i.e. maybe tired and a bit meh for the first couple of days, then it lifts off on around day 4, stay away from public areas where people might have colds etc for a few days in the middle, tired but ok for another few days and then a week of feeling near normal... then same all over again....

it certainly is a life experience. and before she knows it she will be out the other side of it and getting on with her life... xx

[ks1966 in reply to Gracie66]

Thank you very much for your advice. I'll keep it in mind

[Lainey66]

I had surgery in January (a double mastectomy). I had to have chemo afterwards as residual cancer cells were found in the tissue after the op. My chemo started six weeks after surgery. I hope all goes well with her treatment. Lainey x

[Artemis-angel]

I was diagnosed over 6 years ago and i waited 6 weeks after my surgery fir chemo so i think this is pretty standard as they need you to be fit before you start.

[Jenny1410]

I had 21 removed was told chemo had to be given within 3 months of having operation I missed it altogether due to other stuff going on now waiting for radiotherapy to start which was due in November but bringing it forward and yes they like you to be fit and strong

[Lorraineam]

I agree with Gracie66 regarding anti sickness medication but would just like to add, she will probably be given a tablet called domperidone to take as needed up to 3 times a day. When she has her chemo, go straight home afterwards and take one of these, even if she doesn't feel sick at the time. My first chemo, I felt really sick the first night because I didn't take the anti sickness early enough, but once I learned how to manage the medication I wasn't too bad at all.

[Artemis-angel in reply to Lorraineam]

Agree so much on taking the anti sickness medication I made the mistake of being 'brave' and not taking first time. Take whatever they suggest.

[Heather-lockwood]

I had my chemo before my surgery so I can't really comment about timescales but trust your doctor he knows what's best.i did however have it in my lymph nodes and my surgeon removes all of them if any are affected

[Liz61]

I had a mastectomy, 4 nodes affected and waited a similar time as your partner's, for my chemo. I too was concerned about the wait and asked my oncologist, but he said it would be absolutely fine medically. I hope this helps a bit.

[Dmhaynes]

As the others have said it doesn't make any difference. It does let your wife's body to heal a little longer after the surgery. It's nice that you are on here because as we know cancer affects the whole family not just the person with it. Good luck with it all xx

[Blueskye]

I had it bad....11 out of 12 nodes and 4 tumours. 5 years on and clear. Chemo is just one tool out of many to heal your wife's cancer. You also need to address diet and exercise, stress, psychological support, spirituality and quality of life issues, all of which I believe make a difference. Don't worry about the delay - it won't make any difference over the long run. Just focus on enjoying your lives as much as you can and you'll be on the right track. x---

[ks1966]

Thank you everyone for your kind and supportive words. They've helped me a lot

[Gracie66]

you will find a lot of support in here Ks1966.. for any and all fears and questions you have. i have found everyone here so helpful and their advice took the fear out of it all as you realise far from being alone you're among a massive group of people all going through their own story.

also. no question is stupid... good luck to you both.

[ks1966 in reply to Gracie66]

Thanks

[Decomtamination]

Hi mine had spread to the lymph nodes, they left me six weeks so the operation site can heal and everything had settle before starting chemotherpy , everything is good I'm back at work now & plodding on. Good luck to you & your partner 💞😘