How long is the wait for Chemo after surgery?

Question

Hello again,
Sorry I have been quiet of late but since my last post I was induced to have my beautiful little girl (Annabelle) at 36 weeks. She is doing great. Feeding really well and growing fast. That was 4 weeks ago.&nbsp;
Since then I had one surgery (lumpectomy and axiliary clearance). That was pretty bad and I found recovery even harder as you are supposed to rest and take it easy but unfortunately I can't do that. I struggle with the fact that I can't pick up my one year old and can't do the every day things like bathing, changing nappies (don't miss those) dressing and putting to sleep. I can do some of these things with my older one though. The drain stayed in for 2 weeks which was a massive pain too. I got what they call "cording" from the axiliary clearance operation, which is very painful and restricting. Not to mention the constipation that you get from all the pain killers. I was beside myself.
Then I found out that I need to have mastectomy on that breast after all as they found 3 different cancers in the breast as well as not clearing the margins at the primary lump site. So that was last Thursday. Just when I got used to post surgery restrictions there comes another whammy.. I was a mess. Don't know about others but losing my breast was easier said than done. Only had 2 days to get used to idea before the surgery. I find it very hard looking in the mirror and won't be able to have reconstructive surgery for a year, until the treatment is over and I heal up. That is a massively long time. I really don't know how I will cope with that and not having my hair on top of that. I think I will feel like an alien. Are there any ladies out there that felt or are feeling the same?&nbsp;But my question is how long do I have to wait post surgery before I can have my chemotherapy? Is it 6 weeks? I am meeting my Med Onc next week but really don't want to wait that long as I have already been delayed by 3 weeks with having 2 surgeries.
My husband will have to go back to work at the end of June. He works in Sydney and I was hoping to have at least 1 chemo session down so that I can work out how I would feel during each session but if I have to wait 6 weeks then it's going to drag out to the end of June. I feel like I have waited enough already.
&nbsp;Adriana

c_yeo · Answer

Hi Adriana
Sorry to hear your situation. It is a hard enough journey physically and mentally without additional stress. Hope you can get some help and support.
As for waiting time for chemo after surgery, I have to wait 6 and a half weeks even on the private system. But perhaps it was over the christmas and new year period. My onco did say at least 4 weeks and ok with 6.
Try to continue with the post op stretching exercise. I developed cording too but it did resolved itself after about maybe 6 to 8 weeks with persistent exercise.&nbsp;
For me, losing hair was harder psychologically then losing breast. But again, I did get over it quickly. Everybody is different and I am sure you will overcome the issues. I dont know but perhaps talking with a psychologist may help to go through the issues. I did use one, not with the breast or hair issues but others.
Take care.&nbsp;
Cis

robyn_w · Answer

Well first I just want to say,congratulations on the birth of your baby! And it needs to be said that you are very,very brave :)  It is hard enough having cancer,let alone being pregnant I am sure.I waited about 4 weeks,and I think that anything either side of this a bit,is pretty much the norm.Lots of things need to be taken Into consideration when starting chemo,and everyone is different,so I would say just be guided by what your doctors say.Do you know what chemo you will be having,or how many rounds you will need?As for losing your breast,it sure is difficult,and very confronting.I am a lot older than you,but the first time I saw myself minus one boob,I burst into tears.The nurse who was there at the time,told me that my reaction was so common,and that I would feel better in a few weeks.I remember thinking,yeah sure,what would you know! After I came home,each time I had to shower or dress,I would start to cry.I didn't like to look in the mirror.I was sure that I would never get used to it.But Adriana,do you know what,after about   1 month I noticed that I wasn't crying over it as much any more.And now,almost 8 months down the track,I don't even think about it any more.My husband couldn't care less either,and I am sure that this has helped me.With the hair loss,I got my head shaved the week before chemo,and it was the best thing that I ever did.My oncologist actually suggested it,and I felt so in control the day I went to the hairdresser.I bought turbans and scarves,and  it never really bothered me too much.It makes your showers so much shorter,and getting ready to go out is really quick cause you don't have to do your hair.Bonus I say!!!! My hair is about 2 cm long now,and I finished chemo at Xmas.I had 4 rounds of chemo,and I was one of the ladies that didn't find it too bad.The one thing that helped me,was that EVERY day,no matter what,I made sure that I went for a walk.Exercise during chemo relieves the fatigue,and  the hospital where I had my chemo are actually including exercise education in their chemo program now.I know that walking when you have a baby and small children isn't easy,but perhaps even going out for a walk to a park for half an hour?I want to wish you the best Adriana.Try to remember that chemo is only temporary,and these days,most women go through it and continue on to lead long,healthy lives.It is just a bump in life's road.Stay on this blog because it really can be so helpful for advice and general support at any time of the day or night!!! Sending a big cyber hug.xoxoxRobyn

robyn_w · Answer

Well first I just want to say,congratulations on the birth of your baby! And it needs to be said that you are very,very brave :)  It is hard enough having cancer,let alone being pregnant I am sure.I waited about 4 weeks,and I think that anything either side of this a bit,is pretty much the norm.Lots of things need to be taken Into consideration when starting chemo,and everyone is different,so I would say just be guided by what your doctors say.Do you know what chemo you will be having,or how many rounds you will need?As for losing your breast,it sure is difficult,and very confronting.I am a lot older than you,but the first time I saw myself minus one boob,I burst into tears.The nurse who was there at the time,told me that my reaction was so common,and that I would feel better in a few weeks.I remember thinking,yeah sure,what would you know! After I came home,each time I had to shower or dress,I would start to cry.I didn't like to look in the mirror.I was sure that I would never get used to it.But Adriana,do you know what,after about   1 month I noticed that I wasn't crying over it as much any more.And now,almost 8 months down the track,I don't even think about it any more.My husband couldn't care less either,and I am sure that this has helped me.With the hair loss,I got my head shaved the week before chemo,and it was the best thing that I ever did.My oncologist actually suggested it,and I felt so in control the day I went to the hairdresser.I bought turbans and scarves,and  it never really bothered me too much.It makes your showers so much shorter,and getting ready to go out is really quick cause you don't have to do your hair.Bonus I say!!!! My hair is about 2 cm long now,and I finished chemo at Xmas.I had 4 rounds of chemo,and I was one of the ladies that didn't find it too bad.The one thing that helped me,was that EVERY day,no matter what,I made sure that I went for a walk.Exercise during chemo relieves the fatigue,and  the hospital where I had my chemo are actually including exercise education in their chemo program now.I know that walking when you have a baby and small children isn't easy,but perhaps even going out for a walk to a park for half an hour?I want to wish you the best Adriana.Try to remember that chemo is only temporary,and these days,most women go through it and continue on to lead long,healthy lives.It is just a bump in life's road.Stay on this blog because it really can be so helpful for advice and general support at any time of the day or night!!! Sending a big cyber hug.xoxoxRobyn

deanne · Answer

I was so sorry to read your story so far. Having a young family adds to the challenge of this awful disease. But I just want to say, you will get through this. I had a mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemo and 25 radio sessions last year. You just take it one step at a time and eventually you get through the tunnel and life gets better again.

It is hard to believe right now but this really is just a big bump in the road and you do get over it with good support from family, friends and your medical team. It is quite amazing where you will get help from. People really want to help and you just have to let go of the reins for a while and let others help. The important thing is to do what you need to to get well and be able to enjoy life with your family again.

Until you can sort out the reconstruction issue, you will find that a couple of pretty mastectomy bras and a good prosthesis will make you feel amazingly better about things. You can sort this out once you have healed (about 6 weeks for most people).

Robyn is right about taking control when it comes to your hair. My husband and 2 daughters helped me to shave mine when it started to fall out 2 weeks after the first chemo. I had some really nice hats (it is easier to go through this in winter) and a wig to wear when I wanted to. Organize this in advance as you won't feel so bad if you have everything you need before hand.

I also tried to walk as much as possible during my treatment. As well as helping with fatigue and weight issues, it also helps your mood.

Please use this network for advice and support. Sharing the journey does make it easier. Sometimes just posting about things helps you to feel better. Wishing you all the best with your treatment and I hope it goes really fast for you and your loved ones. Take care. Deanne xxxx

hazel_m · Answer

So sorry for you. Deanne is right, with the support of family and friends you will get through this. I had a lumpectomy and they started chemo when the wound was healed. I, also was stressing about the loss of my hair, but looking back (I have finished chemo and nearly finished radiation) the loss of my hair was manageable. I don't have any regrowth at the moment and I'm now quite adept with scarfs. I wish you all the best for your treatment, take care,&nbsp;
Hazel xx

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