how much is too much

teracole

I recently has a lumpectomy (1.5 cm) and then a re-excision for margins which were clear.  I am also stage 1b.

I have an appt with an oncologist soon which will be the deciding factor on chemo or not.  I also had the oncotype test done which he will have for his determination.  Of course, I'm hoping that radiation is all I need. 

I met with the radiation onco yesterday and he suggest 33 visits of radiation.  I am naive but it seemd like alot.  Any thoughts?

Lastly, the way I was guided when first dx I went to an onco breast surgeon who did the surgery.  Then they tell me chemo, if needed and then radiation.  Is this typically the route most take?  Even though it's partially done,  having the surgery first ...,would it have made more sense to visit the onco doc first before surgery.  For some reason this seems out of order.

Thanks for any comments,

Terri

knowledgeforpower

Some radiation oncologists follow the shortened plan for radiation.  Under this plan you receive betweeen 15 to 18 treatments.  During the each treatment you receive a slighly larger dose of radiation than with the longer traditional method.  In the end, during the shortened treatment you get a slighly less total radiation dosage.  No all centers offer the shortened course.  I think the majority of the women in this forum have done the traditional longer treatment. If you search this fourm under the word shortened you will find additional posts.  I did the shortened plan with a total of 18 sessions.  Radiation is usally done after surgery and chemo.  It's not unsual to see the medical oncologists after surgery.  The final pathology report can help determine if you need chemo, as well as the Oncotype.  My tumor was only 8 mm and my nodes were negative, but my Oncotype was 26 so I ended up needing chemo. If the tumor is large often chemo is done before surgery to help shrink the tumor.  Good luck with your treatments.