Forum Discussion

dougal's avatar
dougal
Member
7 years ago

Waiting for chemo!!

Hi Everyone, I am new to this network. My name is Debbie and I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2, HER positive amplified, oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive, tumour 23mm, on 5th July, so after a life changing shock, out of the blue as no symptoms, at 51 went for my first ever mammogram. Thank god I did as I'm one of those people that thinks nothing will ever happen to! as I live a healthy life, breast fed both my children, never smoked etc. Anyway,how wrong I was, thinking I was so healthy. 

I have since had a right side masectomy on 13th July, but now feeling very stressed, as am still waiting for an appointment with the oncologist. There seems to be an issue after having surgery at Royal Perth hospital I am now being told I'm suddenly out of catchment area for treatment, although not told this when I saw surgeon. I cant believe how stressful this has become waiting for chemo to start and not knowing when. I would just like to ask everyone out there who has had chemo, how long after surgery they commenced it as I'm worried the longer I wait the less effective treatment will be. Any other advise also would be greatly appreciated. Love to hear from anyone out there.
coping
diagnosis
surgery
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    7 years ago
    I had my second surgery on 8 January and was scheduled for chemo on 5 February after follow up appointment with the surgeon to check healing.  But my cancer did have node involvement.  Have you been back to see your surgeon?  Do you have a breast care nurse?  One of the things that many here have found is that sometimes you need to make a noise.  If the surgeon won't help and you don't have access to a nurse, maybe admin can help with a suggestion ( @Giovanna_BCNA ?). Take care.
  • dougal's avatar
    dougal
    Member
    7 years ago
    It really is an emotional rollercoaster, I am still trying to process it all. I thought 6 weeks seemed about right to start chemo, but as I'm nearly into 4th week post surgery and still not got an appointment for a oncologist its stressing me out I will be waiting forever. Just want to get on with it and get it over with. Will also need a year of Herceptin injections then anti hormone tablets for 5 years.
  • kezmusc's avatar
    kezmusc
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @dougal,

    Welcome to the forum.  You are about to meet some amazing people here. Loads of warmth and wisdom.  The rollercoaster that is breast cancer.  The shock is just indescribable isn't it? An there is nothing worse than last minute changes of plan.

    I was 45 at diagnosis feeling great just getting on with life then I found a weird kind of lump under my arm and the rest is history so to speak. Blows you out of the water to say the least.

      One month to surgery from Dday chasing around the elusive breast tumour that was playing hard to find.  Then about 6 weeks to chemo starting.  They like you to be a bit recovered before you get going. 

    Keep asking questions lovely.  We are all here for you.

    xoxoxox