How long after lumpectomy did you start chemo?

AlishaCatherine

My mom is getting a lumpectomy next Thursday, the 29th. The MO that has come very reccomended can't even get her in until the end of September for an initial consult. Is this too long to wait with Grade 3 IDC? How long after a lumpectomy did you start chemo?

encyclias

Eight weeks.

Carol

Hortense

AlishaCatherine - I was told I would have to wait more than a month after my lumpectomy simply to heal and get stronger. Don't worry. I ended up waiting two months. 

As for doctors: I found that if you want to get into a certain doctor earlier than dates available, make an appointment for whenever you can get it, and once you have it, ask if you can call back to see if there are any cancellations so you can get in earlier. Usually they will allow you to call and may even give you a time to do so, if you already have an appointment. A few keep a cancellation waiting list and will call you when a spot becomes available, but not many do. I had to call my surgeon many times over a week and a half before getting a cancellation as she is one of the best in NYC, but it was worth it as I got in four weeks earlier than I would have. That has happened with several other doctors too.

Best of luck to your mother. None of this is fun, but it is doable. Take care.

batcatlady19

My surgeon recommended to wait at least a month until everything had healed properly. I pushed it back 1 more week due to previous plans, & both my surgeon & oncologist said that was no problem. I also had a grade 3 tumor, very aggressive, but 5 weeks after lumpectomy seems to be fine with everyone on my medical team (I start chemo a week from today).

Anonymous

About five weeks:  had to get all the tests scans done and decide on an onc. after interviewing more than one, schedule port insertion surgery, etc. Dx 9/29, first chemo around 11/3.

Claire

SelenaWolf

Six weeks.