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How long can chemo be delayed for

Hopeful24
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Hi

I am on GemCarbo, which is both the gemcitabine and carboplatin. A cycle starts on day 1 with both and then only the Gemcitabine on day 8 then nothing for 13 days which completes the cycle.  
I have had 2 cycles and was due to start my 3rd cycle last week but my cell count was too low for treatment.

I have had and do still have the awful viral cough doing the rounds, a really nasty virus that there is no treatment for other than paracetamol, had this over 10 days now but it is slowly going.

I am due to get my bloods checked again tomorrow and am worried they will not start cycle 3 because I still feel rough.

I spoke to my cancer nurse and asked if I could take anything to help my blood count and what they could do to help and she said nothing to help and if it carries on my oncologist may look at reducing the strength.

How long a gap can you have between your chemo cycle?   I can’t seem to get a straight answer from the cancer nurses,

I don’t want to have my treatment less effective by reducing the strength or cancelled.   I’m worried these gaps are allowing the cancer to grow.


I am also due a CT scan tomorrow on pelvis, abdomen and thorax, what if I cough during that?

thanks for any experience you guys have on this but I’m going round in circles trying to get an answer.

best regards 

Sylv

  • I'm sorry you weren't able to start your 3rd round of chemo Sylv due to a low cell count. This must be very frustrating, especially when you're trying to recover from a virus now as well, but fingers crossed you start feeling better soon and that it won't be long until you can get back to your treatment.

    I can't answer your question about how long chemo can be delayed for but our team of cancer nurses may be able to help, so if you'd like to speak with them about this, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their helpline is open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they'll do all they can to give you the answers and information you seek.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had their treatment delayed will be along soon to share their experiences and advice but in the meantime, our thoughts are with you Sylv and we're wishing you all the best with your chemo once it starts up again.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Did you manage to get on to cycle 3?  I had to delay my chemo once because of an infection and it was very frustrating.  However I was reassured that the delay would make no difference to the cancer.  This may be the same for you but I think it's worth asking the question anyway of the nurse 

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