Waiting for Chemo dates

Hi, I had a lumpectomy and auxiliary node clearance on the 24th Jan this year. Since then I had further re-incision surgery to take some more tissue, as a 3mm lump was found in the clear margin that is used to determine enough has been taken. This surgery was on the 7th March. My next appointment for the results is on the 6th April. If all is ok I should then see the oncologist to get the treatment plan (I was advised that I will have some chemo and radiotherapy).

Reading timescales im worried about the length of time between the first surgery and when my chemo will start. Some say 30days and others say typically a max of 12 weeks. Im anxious that this additional wait for results from the re-incision is putting me at risk of reoccurrence.

I was diagnosed initially of stage 1 breast cancer and from the 31 auxiliary nodes taken the cancer was in 4.. maybe this is why they aren't concerned as much with the wait for treatment. 

Is this "normal" or should I be speaking with my breast care team about my worries?

Need some reassurance at the moment.. feeling in limbo all the time...

  • Lula 

    helllo lovely 

    I was where you are last year , my consultant told me to expect Chemo I got prepared then to my suprise my oncologist first meeting was a ray of light and said nonsense you don't need chemo so I had the Oncotype DX test I requested it to be sure this came back low so maybe you won't need chemo after all 

    good luck always here to chat 

    love Lara ️

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    It can be really unnerving having to wait for tests and treatment and I appreciate this must be an anxious time for you.

    There has been and continues to be much discussion about the ideal time frame between having surgery and starting other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This does seem to range between 4-12 weeks with some thought that starting much later than this may increase the risk of a recurrence.

    Ideally treatment is started as soon as possible after surgery after the wound has healed and all the test results are back to guide the best treatment. However there can be delays due to the increased pressure of staff and resource shortages within the NHS.  I understand how frustrating this is for anyone who is a patient or a loved one who just wants to get on with their treatment.

    Do speak to your breast care nurse about this as they are directly involved in your care they may be able to give a bit of perspective and reassure you.

    I wish you all the best and hope you can start treatment soon.

    Take care

    Naomi