How soon should a treatment start after mastectomy?

Kate2020
Kate2020 Member Posts: 2
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi all, 

I'm new here and hope someone can share experiences. 

I recently had double mastectomy in August with stage 2 diagnosis. My doctor said we'd start hormone therapy (no chemo) as soon as I recover from the surgery. Now in October I just had a follow up appointment, thinking we'd start the therapy; then the docfor told me I don't start the therapy yet - Instead I need to do Oncotype to see if I really don't need chemo. While I appreciate another test to look for a more detailed/customized treatment option, I will have to wait for another month, not doing any treatment, until the Oncotype result comes back sometime in October. Is that really ok not doing any treatment for 2 months after mastectomy? I understand chemo should be done before hormone therapy (IF you have to do both), but can't you start hormone first anyway, then chemo if Oncotype result comes back and suggests so, then again go back to hormone after chemo? Or that's not possible?  Just scared of waiting without doing anything...

I wish I could just call up the doctor and ask without waiting for my next appointment (which is a month away).

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts/experiences.

Comments

  • wallis2
    wallis2 Member Posts: 56 Member
    edited October 2020 #2
    Hi Kate2020

    When I had my double mastectomy around November 2018, I started radiation in March.  I wanted to go ahead and do radiation asap, but my body had to heal.  After my surgery I had follow-ups, scans, etc. I think they want your body to heal or maybe see the best options for you.  

  • Kate2020
    Kate2020 Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2020 #3
    wallis2 said:

    Hi Kate2020

    When I had my double mastectomy around November 2018, I started radiation in March.  I wanted to go ahead and do radiation asap, but my body had to heal.  After my surgery I had follow-ups, scans, etc. I think they want your body to heal or maybe see the best options for you.  

    Hi Wallis 2,

    Hi Wallis 2,

    Thank you so much for your reply. Your comment made me feel much better. I hope you are doing ok!

  • wallis2
    wallis2 Member Posts: 56 Member
    edited October 2020 #4
    Kate2020 said:

    Hi Wallis 2,

    Hi Wallis 2,

    Thank you so much for your reply. Your comment made me feel much better. I hope you are doing ok!

    Hi

    I am doing fine, only side effect taking this Arimidex.  Cool

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