How long was your chemo delay?

Stage2ire

I had my first dose of AC end august. It was supposed to be first of 4 DD infusions

A few days later my wound developed an infection. I ended up back in surgery for a debridement.

Anyway, due to infection, extra surgery etc it was 5 weeks before i got my 2nd dose

Has anyone else ever had such a long break between infusions? I know 1 week delays to schedule are common but my 2nd dose was 3 weeks later than scheduled

Im constantly worrying about whether the cancer could have become resistant in that period or whether cells went into "sleep mode" and tne chemo couldnt get them. I cant shake the feeling its not gone, no matter how hard i try. Guess im hoping im not the only one who experienced delays.

AnotherMichelle

I did not have a delay, but my doctor and chemo nurses spoke throughout treatment of "chemo vacations"--or a delay between infusions. I know many people who end up having them: they're not really vacations (although I have met people who took a "chemo vacation" and put off a dose in order to take a real vacation). I was very worried throughout treatment about having to take one, but my doctor and all the nurses and PAs repeatedly told me that they are common and that they do not affect outcomes. Because I'm crazy, I did a bunch of internet research and found the best-case scenario is that we get 85%-90% of the total doses (combined) in us by the end. Delaying didn't seem to be a variable in discussions of breaks from and reductions in chemo. (I had to have a 25% reduction for my last four Taxols because of neutropenia and neuropathy.)

I'm thinking of you!

Stage2ire

thank you for replying. Its reassuring to hear that. I worry so much that its still there, just lurking around. My cancer took a long time to get diagnosed, I was having symptoms 18 months earlier that were blamed on pregnancy, then my doctor didn't send my referral form on time and then when I went to breast clinic they missed it the first time, didn't do a proper palpation in hindsight. All these mistakes eat at my brain and then there was the chemo delay. I guess I think if all those things could go wrong why wouldn't the delay affect things. Your response has been reassuring though, especially the stats you quote. Thanks!!