Radiation before chemo?

Regawhatever

I was wondering if you've ever heard of somone doing radiation before chemo? I had a lumpectomy June 5 and still haven't been able to see an oncologist. I know that once I do, there will still be a couple of weeks of tests, etc. and if it's possible, I'd just as soon get started on the radiation while the doctor figures out whether I'll need chemo. Just wondering if this is possible or practical. (I'm a teacher and I'd like to knock out as much treatment as I can before school starts.)  Thanks.

u32374

I had radiation before I started my chemo but it was because I had brachytheraphy.  They inserted 27 catheters into my chest and the radiation was done through them twice a day for four days.  Mamosite radiation is also done before chemo and there is a lot of information on it on line.

It is my understanding that most women opt for or Dr recommend regular radiation which almost always is after the chemo.

You have to have these other options available in your area and be accepted for them but both options are there. I was accepted because tumor size was small and the sernoma (sp?) was visible so the catheters could be placed.  There is a thread on the boards about these procedures if you want to look at them.

Good luck and best wishes with what ever you decide.

ddlatt

i asked my rad onc why i didn't have radiation before chemo, and he said it's because they want to eradicate all the stray cancer cells throughout the body first, then concentate on the tumor area. he said ideally we would have chemo and rads simultaneously, but right now the treatments are just too hard on the body if done simultaneously. he said great progress is being made in going in that direction, though.