Oncologist appointment

Hi this is my first post on here, I had my lumpectomy a few weeks ago, had my results from lymph node biopsy, they found some cancer cells in 1 of my lymph nodes, even though in my letter explaining this after my appointment it says 1/2 so is it 1 or 2 ? Anyway I'm now heading towards chemotherapy, followed by radio therapy. I feel okay had a 1 rubbish day so far, I've changed to mainly plant based diet, no alcohol or sugar. 
I was healthy so just made a few changes, no puddings no alcohol, no sweets, I just want to kick Cancers *** as hard as I can, I'm feeling positive and hopeful

I have oncologist appointment on Monday coming, does anyone have any idea how long it generally takes for chemo treatment to start after the first oncologist appointment ? It does feel like I've been waiting months even though it's only been two weeks since the appointment was booked in. 
 

thanks for reading ..any advice would be appreciated :) 

  • Hi Lizpositive1 I also had a lumpectomy and they found cancer in one lymph node. The 1/2 lymph node reference in your letter means that they removed two lymph nodes and cancer was found in one. I had three removed so my letter said 1/3. The waiting inbetween surgery, tests, oncology appointment etc is the worse part! I start chemo next week, 3 weeks after the oncologist meeting, but I guess wait times will vary from hospital to hospital. I was initially told that the chemo would start around 10 days after the oncologist meeting but I had to have a CT, bone scan and heart ECHO before starting the chemo so those appointments took a bit of time to arrive. Hope everything goes well for you, and well done for the healthy diet - I am trying to eat well too but sometimes chocolate calls :grin:

  • Hi Liz 

    I waited 3 weeks to start chemo after my app with consultant. I had to have echo first which I think everyone has to check heart ok for the treatment. Also a covud test is done. 

    When I started chemo I tried to stick to healthy diet but after feeling rough called the oncology team and was advised to eat a high fat diet because your body needs it to help get through this gruelling treatment. I did what they said and it helped alot. 

    Good luck, let us know how you get on.

    Louise x

  • Hi Coffecup7, 

     Thanks for your reply, and clearing up the mystery of the 1/2 meaning , I do feel like this week has super dragged everyday at work feels like 2 full days, just want to get on with it. 
    Even though it's unknown territory, I did see my poor dad go though chemo, he was in late stages unfortunately so it was really difficult and he had absolutely no strength at all. But I know we'll get through it and all will be okay. Will keep you posted  

  • Hi Louise, 

    Thanks for the reply, I think the general time line is around 2/3 weeks after oncologist appointment, I think once I've met my oncologist I'll feel abit more settled, have a plan in my head, it is a significant appointment and I wish it would come quicker lol, all this waiting around drives you mad doesn't it ! 
    As for the eating healthy I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and if I have to stuff my face with fats etc.. I will I think you have to be realistic, I have no idea how I'm going to feel, some people are better than others, so we'll see, I've been eyeing up chemo scarves, hats, well anything to do chemo, my husbands bald so we'll be twins if I lose my hair, to be honest it drives me mad most days anyway lol so losing it maybe a good reset !! 
     

    will keep you posted on stuff, I hope you're journey is going as well as it can do take care 

    Liz X