Unsure
i am due to start chemo fairly soon, or so they keep telling me. First initial consult with my gp was 8 weeks ago. I then had mammogram and ultra sound, two weeks later had 3 biopsies, 10 days after ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Lindyloo,
Yes, the waiting is the worst of it all. Whether it's waiting for appointment times, pathology results, surgery dates? It's the worst thing of this whole 'journey' because you feel like you're not getting anywhere. But then I realised that the waiting is part of the 'journey'. (you know that trip we didn't really chose to go on?)
I've had surgery, mastectomy, 5 weeks ago, 4cm tumour (bigger and more irregular than was expected) with another smaller tumour hidden there too. I started chemo 1 week ago (due to the tumour size), as a public patient, 4 weeks postop which is the earliest possible time can begin as all wounds need to heal before it started. I understand you're having chemo before surgery which is decided on by your team. All breast tumours are different (size, grading (speed it takes to grow), hormone receptor etc) and the team of oncologists tailor treatment to suit you. Be guided by them.
During my surgery recovery, I was also referred to a radiation oncologist, as it wasn't confirmed whether I was to have it. Due to the fact there were two tumours, it's recommended that I have radiation after I finish chemo cycles. Despite the fact that it'll be later on in the year, it was lovely to speak to my radiation oncologist, question her on pros and cons, work out a timeline of appointments etc (ring for appt after 2nd chemo cycle). I've realised things take time for that to get started - measurements, ct scans etc.
I found coping with family and friends questions sometimes difficult. Sometimes I wished I just had to press the play button and tell them to listen...
No, I can't have surgery tomorrow,
yes, I do have to wait for pathology results,
yes, I do have to wait 2 hours for the appointment (surgeon running late)
no, I can't start chemo yet...
yes, I will lose my hair etc etc etc.
Don't get me wrong, some family and friends have been a great support and make me laugh so much it's the best medicine.
All the best with your treatment and stay in touch. I found coming on here to be really helpful.
Karen xx