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Newly Diagnosed Had to Switch Doctors When to Start Treatment
I was diagnosed with Stage 1A Breast Cancer. After 4 weeks of trying to get good information from my local surgical oncologist, I switched to a new healthcare team with a highly respected cancer center 1 hour away from my home.
My son is very anxious for me to have surgery - probably a unilateral mastectomy. I've read that 6-8 weeks to begin treatment is best. But I needed a healthcare team I had confidence in.
What is the optimum length of time between diagnosis and treatment? Thanks!
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@clfa1949,
Welcome to Mayo Connect. When diagnosed, the immediate reaction usually is how fast can I get cancer removed. The correct treatment plan is more important then how fast you have surgery. Everyone situation is unique. The onocologist may recommend gentic testing to help determine treatment plan.
It is important to have a care team that you trust, and sounds like you have made that change.
Have you had a biopsy to determine the type of breast cancer you have, would you care to change result of biopsy?
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2 ReactionsHello @clfa1949 I am very happy to hear you have gotten a team you can trust to give you the best care.
To expand on what @roch offered. There is probably a period of testing and gathering information and reviewing it, some that might be from the previous team and some new. This is important so that your team can help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
Honestly the best time once there is an agreed upon plan of action is as soon as you can get started, but alas there is usually some anxiety producing waiting in there too. Take heart that most cancers do not get out of control in that short time. I know this is hard, but I find it is better to try and remind myself that this is treatment free time and I might not feel this great once I start the next thing so I try to make the best of this time.
Do you have an appointment yet to discuss your treatment plan?
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1 ReactionMy providers said it's more important to get it right than get it done fast. I push things along the best I can, but waiting weeks on pathology makes it hard to speed things up. Take this time to read, get a full blood panel done, if needed, and try to breathe deep and relax. Whittle down your lists of what you have planned for the next few months and get things done or assigned out so you'll be freed up, since you'll be tired. Try to talk with someone who has been through it & can help educate you. Best wishes for a smooth journey to health.