safe window of time for delayed chemo?

windingshores · May 2015

I am wondering if anyone knows what the effect of a delay in chemo might be.

I had some contradictory test results and had to seek a second then third opinion. The third MD did the retests I was hoping for, and I am still waiting for one test to come back. It is now 9 weeks from surgery. I hear a tick tick in my head!

My first two opinions did not want to do chemo. Third one thinks I will probably end up doing it.

I did get on an AI in the meantime, started about 6 weeks from surgery.

Thanks for any info on this....this is nerve-wracking!

Hopeful82014 · May 2015

Winding Shores, so sorry this is dragging out SO long for you. My MO said she was fine with up to 12 weeks after surgery but I don't think she was factoring in that I'm already on Femara and having such a strong response to it. I don't know if that helps you or not. Good luck.

windingshores · May 2015

I see that your Femara was neoadjuvant. It's great that you can know the response! I assume you will still be on Femara during any period between surgery and chemo.

There's nothing I can do really other than wait. I am trying not to fret but it's been a long time since my diagnosis 2/10!!

I am grateful to have gotten on Femara. I couldn't tolerate generic Anastrozole then couldn't tolerate generic letrozole then got brand name then did 1/4 then 1/2 and finially full dose so even that was a bit of a nail biter (I am 95% estogen positive).

Good luck to you and thanks for answering.

dlb823 · May 2015

windingshores, up until recently, the research showed that there was no difference in outcome for those who waited 6, 9 and 12 weeks following their last surgery to start chemo. However, very recent research concluded that there is a difference in outcome based on subsets. In other words, the more advanced your dx is, the more important it is to start chemo as soon as possible. Since there was some doubt about whether or not you even needed chemo, it sounds like you may fall into the less advanced subset. If I can find a link to that research for you, I'll stop back and give you a link. (((Hugs))), Deanna

Here you go... http://www.ascopost.com/issues/march-15,-2014/sidebar-impact-of-delayed-initiation-of-adjuvant-chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer-varies-by-tumor-subtype.aspx

windingshores · May 2015

I appreciate the help, and the hugs! For some reason the link did not work, but I found it by title, and the article you provided is the best I have found, so thanks so much. This is where I found it (for others): http://www.ascopost.com/issues/march-15,-2014/sidebar-impact-of-delayed-initiation-of-adjuvant-chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer-varies-by-tumor-subtype.aspx. (This looks exactly like your link so not sure what is going on!)

Another week or two for the Oncotype retest to come back....Getting good at distractions: for me, Netflix, museums and walks. Trying not to affect my kids! I am at 9 weeks post surgery and counting.

Hortense · May 2015

I waited quite awhile after surgery before starting chemo because I wanted to get an oncotest and a second opinion. I had surgery in late February and started chemo in early May 2012. So far so good!

windingshores · May 2015

Hortense, that is just exactly the time frame I have so I appreciate the reassurance. My Oncotype should be back any day now. Thanks and continued good luck!

safe window of time for delayed chemo?

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