Question about starting Chemo after Mastectomy

Hi there Helbo sorry to hear about what you are going through. I thought I would reply because I remember also being really concerned after mastectomy about the wait for chemo to start. From my research (and from yours too it seems) the (NICE?) guidelines seemed to say it should start around 31 days after surgery. In practice, my BCN told me that they usually waited 6 weeks after surgery before starting chemo. I had to have a picc line fitted and a problem with that pushed my start date back to around 7 weeks I think. A doctor told me that would be fine. I can understand you feeling that you would like to get started on the chemo asap. If I were you, I would be tempted to call a breast care nurse for advice and chase up your oncology appointment. I remember having to have a heart scan, bloods, picc line etc before the chemo, so there will be bits and pieces to sort out for you. Maybe give them a nudge? Sending hugs your way and wishing you all the best. x 

Thank you so much for your reply, it has really helped and I have chased the team and now have an appointment to see the Oncologist.  Also really good to know what else has to happen before it starts. Feels mad to want to start chemo doesnt it, but I hate the waiting around bit. Thank you once again and I hope you are ok and managing well

X

Oh that's great, well done for managing to get the ball rolling. I found sometimes I just needed to give my team a nudge as I was conscious of how busy they were - whereas I was really aware of timeframes etc and it always worried me if things were taking a long time. I know what you mean - it seems crazy to be keen to start chemo but I completely  understand your feelings on that. You may not need a picc line - my oncologist recommended one for me but depends on the individual case. I think everyone has to have a heart scan though, which doesn't take long. Once you sign the go-ahead for chemo (there is quite a long consent form), if not already signed, things move pretty fast.  Best of luck with it all. I hope chemo goes Ok for you. sending you hugs. x

Hey. Hope you are recovering well. I had my masectomy 6 Jan and started chemo 4 March  Thst was mainly due to the seromas needing draining on a weekly basis. Ensure you get them drained as much as possibke as they dont like draining them once you have started chemo due to infection. Did you have full lymph node clearance? I did. How you managing? The numbness stays unfortunately but small price to pay. Good luck with the chemo. I'm halfway through mine xx