Friday, September 16, 2011 pink girl asks

Q: Worried

I had my masectomy Monday will be 3 weeks. The doctor didn't give me a date for the chemotherapy yet, and I am starting to worry that he is taking too long, is that normal how long should I wait after the surgery?

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Answers (2)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/16/11 10:43pm

Well, they want you to be fully healed from the surgery; and they also have to work you into the schedule, which can be complicated. I didn't start chemo until nearly 3 months post-surgery, so waiting 3 weeks wouldn't be considered much of a wait... Why not call your oncologist and ask when you'll be starting chemo? When you do, I think you'll find our chemo series quite useful. Take care- P

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

9/17/11 9:44am

In most cases people need to wait a minimum of three weeks before starting chemo because the incisions need to be completely healed before chemotherapy to reduce the chance of a post-operative infection. The surgeon will probably check you out before the oncologist takes over. It hasn't been too long to wait so far, but I'm a little surprised you don't have an appointment date to discuss next steps. I'd suggest you call and ask when you need to see the doctor again.

pink girl

9/17/11 1:27pm

Thanks to both of you ladies I will call on Monday maybe they forgot I don't know what to think and that's why I am worried, I just want to finish with everything, it's on my mind. I don't know what to expect either some people say hair falls others say it doesn't the unexpected is scary, I just want to feel healthy again. Thanks again.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/17/11 3:25pm

Hi - I strongly suggest you read our chemo series, as I suggested above. It's a comprehensive series of posts, and it'll rid you of that "I don't know what to expect" fear. Once you get an idea of the whole process, you can start to plan; and having a plan in place always makes you feel better, more in control. God luck to you - PJH

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

9/17/11 6:30pm

As PJ says, reading ahead a little in our chemo series is a good idea. Then when you talk to the doctor about what treatment plan you will be on, you will have more ideas about what to ask. Most chemos that breast cancer patients take do cause hair loss although a few of them might cause hair thinning rather than complete loss.

As you talk to other people who have had chemo or whose relatives have had chemo, keep in mind that there are many different combinations of drugs that are given. Patients with lung or liver cancer may have totally different forms of chemo. Also keep in mind that the drugs they use to manage side effects are much better than they used to be, so don't let anyone scare you with stories about what chemo was like for their aunt twenty years ago.

It will be impossible to completely remove the "unexpected" factor because people respond different to the same drug. You will feel healthy again. Just keep moving along a day or two at a time.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/17/11 10:47pm

Please take Phyllis' advice - DO NOT listen to ANYBODY'S "chemo horror stories." They're probably outdated; and they don't represent what'll happen to YOU. We all have our own experience with chemo, and you can't know ahead of time exactly what it'll be. Best of luck to you - PJH

pink girl

9/17/11 10:51pm

Thank you so much to both wonderful ladies for helping the rest of us, I read the chemo report and I got a picture of what it will be like, I won't lie I am still scared of the unknown. I just want to get it over with. I will keep in touch.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/17/11 11:03pm

It's completely natural to be scared - but you WILL get through chemo and put it behind you. And remember, we're here to support you. PJH

Q: Worried

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