As Kitty said all depends. The staging investigations are extensive- endoscopy, CT & PET scans, endoscopic ultrasound plus laproscopy. Plus there's the CPX test/bike test which provides information about heart and lung functioning which is important information for the surgeon. I'm T3N1M0 and my treatment plan is one of the standard ones for my stage - 4 cycles of FLOT chemotherapy, rest period of 6 - 7 weeks during which time they'll repeat CT scan, Lap and CPX test then surgery. After some recovery time another 4 cycles of FLOT. another protocol is chemo plus radiotherapy plus surgery. Some oncologists will go with immunotherapy for people with stage 4. How long the wait between staging and treatment starting is also dependent on whether you are being treated via the NHS or if you go down the private route. Sadly where you are and your local NHS resources is also a factor. I've found talking to the clinical nurse specialist very useful in understanding the process.
