Cancer - how long after chemoradiation should I have to wait for surgery?

How long to wait for surgery  after chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. 

 Nurse just told me might be march 2025. I finished  chemo  and radiotherapy  in October.  Is this a long time thanks.

  • Hello Tige 

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently going through treatment for rectal cancer. I hope that the chemoradation treatment wasn't too difficult and that you've been making a steady recovery since finishing. 

    It's not uncommon for people to have a wait in between completing one phase of their treatment programme and beginning the next but it's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about this. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses for some advice and support you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you have your surgery date soon and that this next phase progresses smoothly. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • I was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer in March 2024, had radio and chemo in July 2024 finished on 31 July then had to wait 8 weeks for the CT &MRI scans(26 sept 2024 )then my surgery was on the 21 November 2024...due to start another round of chemotherapy on the 31 January. I had almost 4 months from finishing my chemo and radio till surgery...

  • Offline in reply to Sim82

    Thanks for  reply. I was diagnosed  April 2024  had the chemo and  chemoradiotherapy . Had scan  and it had shrunk after  both treatments.. just heard this morning  that they are operating  on Feb 18.(hooray). I've  got to say I've been fine with all the treatments. Touch wood.. Hope yours is going well. Stay fit. Hope you get really good news

  • Offline in reply to Tige

    Glad to hear you got the surgery date and I wish  all will go well . Anything you want to ask don't hesitate. For me I take it everyday as it comes and a bit scared of the Iv chemotherapy but I a ays tend to panic beforehand .