How long after surgery should I start chemo?

Posted by jdjabara @jdjabara, Apr 16, 2022

I had an IPMN removed through pancreas resection along with my spleen . The lymph nodes and margins were clear. I had less than a 5mm invasive carcinoma. I wasn’t sure if I would do chemo so I got a second opinion at MD Anderson and decided to do chemo . The oncologist business office tells me it takes two weeks to get insurance approval which I think is crazy since I have Medicare and bobs. Anyway, it looks like it may be 13 or 14 weeks after surgery before I start my 6 month chemo . What has anyone found out about how quickly I should start to be effective? My oncologist says 13 weeks is fine.

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beachdog | @beachdog | Apr 16, 2022

Depending on how extensive your surgery was, it might be advisable to wait the recommended time to start chemo. My wife had major distal pancreatectomy etc and was told to wait 3-4 months minimum because they wanted her fully healed. Since chemo kills actively reproducing cells it can also interfere with healing.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 19, 2022

@jdjabara, I completely agree with @beachdog. The time between surgery and the start of chemo will vary.

This website Pancreatic Cancer UK (https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/treatments-for-pancreatic-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-and-surgery/) says "You should be given time to recover properly from your surgery before starting chemotherapy, as you need to be well enough for six months of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may start up to 12 weeks after your surgery."

I think I hear your concern that the timing is being decided by insurance and you worry that it is not the optimal time. I would trust your oncologist and at the same time keep in contact with your insurance to make sure there are no delays beyond 13 weeks.

How's your recovery from surgery going?