Trying to start chemo need input

katymom

I had a lumpectomy on 3/22. I was getting ready to start chemo and developed an infection. I took arithromycin for a week ending on a Tuesday, steroids on Wed, then my white cell was up on Thurs--no chemo. Changed to duricef which I began on Thurs. On Monday counts ok approved for chemo. On Wed steroids, on Thurs white cells up--no chemo. Today the surgeon changed to another antibiotic cleocin and says to take another week then the next week after that we can consider the steroids. That puts me a minimum of 6 weeks out from surgery before starting any chemo. I am her2+, er+, stage 1, grade2....Does this seem ok? I am afraid we're waiting to long. The oncologist who is out of the country until next Friday wanted me to proceed with chemo next Monday...Which is the better thing to do? Even though they think they got it all could there be some still there that could be ready to spread and that is why the oncologist is being aggressive or is it better to be conservative and the cancer is all gone--clear margins, etc and I'm in plenty of time. Is over 6 weeks too long? Please give input. Thanks.

Caya

Don't worry - 6 weeks out from surgery is fine. Recently studies were released that concluded even up to 12 weeks out is okay. You will be okay. You want your body to be as strong as possible for chemo, as it is a cumulative effect. Best of luck to you.

Anonymous

katymom,

My chemo started 6 weeks after my last surgery. I had a lumpectomy in Jan, then a mastectomy in Feb. Didn't start chemo til March 20. I think you'll be fine!

Best wishes,
Miss S

katymom

Thanks so much! I still haven't started my chemo because my white cells jump up everytime I take decadron