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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Waiting time to begin Chemo
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Waiting time to begin Chemo
by Delynnc, Jul 04, 2005 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with a 1.2 invasive ductul tumor. I have been to two doctors and am now at MD Anderson in Houston. They have evaluated all my tests and done another set of mammograms and ultrasounds and find no problems. I originaly had the first surgery on May 25. The doctor has said he wants to begin chemo but it was okay to wait until August and take a vacation. It is okay to wait this long before beginning treatment? I must add they have found no cancer cells in surrounding tissure, surrounding healthy tissue or lymph nodes. They have also done bone scans, cat scans, x-rays,and taken a ton of blood. I was concerned in waiting so long to begin treatment. I am the only surviving parent of three children that lost their father in a car accident 9 years ago. Any support or feedback is welcome. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jul 06, 2005 12:00AM
Dear delynnc, Chemotherapy given after breast cancer surgery (adjuvant therapy), is given to prevent or minimize the growth of microscopic deposits of tumor cells that might grow into a recurrent tumor. The timing of starting this is usually 2-12 weeks after surgery to allow time for healing from the surgery, however, there may be reasons that treatment is delayed. You may want to revisit the issue with your onclogist who, having all of the details about your individual case, would be able to discuss and reassure you regarding the timing of the start of your chemotherapy.
