Time Span Between Chemo and Radiation

mimiof4

I finished my last chemo infusion today.  My oncologist says I have had the maximum chemo my body can tolerate.  I have an appointment with a radioligist in two weeks.  I was wondering what is the typical time after finishing chemo and starting radiation.

Also, how long will it be after chemo that I start feeling more like myself?  I am 65 years old, but I have always been a high energy person and able to accomplish a lot.  These last few round of chemo have found me with almost no good days,  I realize everyone is different.

My prayers are with all of us in our condition.  Let's make a bond to be as positive as possible. 

diana50

hi mimiof4

i think it is kind of an individual healing process after chemo; you will feel better...slowly but surely....depends on what chemo you got...rounds...your health before you started chemo...complications if any...exercise...lots of stuff. i see you say you have always been a high energy person; but remember that the chemo affects red and white blood cells so even if you are high energy your body may not be until you heal from the wipeout from chemo.  after i finished my chemo i too had the rad appt; and i know they didn't start my rads until my white and red blood cells were up to par.( a few weeks or so)  rads can also alter the red blood count and with me they checked it fairly regularly.  now that you have finished chemo; i recommend you drink water....rest....do a little walking..and slowly allow your body to heal.

i am happy for you that you have finished chemo. good for you. remember that chemo is an accumulation effect...and my experience was that the last two chemos really knocked me out...i felt lethargic for awhile....  it isn't so much psychological as it is actually physical. so, hang in there...the chemo did its job.....all you have to do now is heal up from the onslaught of cancer killer. it also takes awhile to get used to post treatment...you almost have to "get to know" your body and psyche' again...because from my experience...things change after cancer on a few levels.

 hang in there. i am sure others will be around to offer their support too*

diana50

jenn3

I had about 5 weeks between chemo and radation.  I was told I needed to recover from the chemo before starting radiation (and it was during the holiday season).  However, from what I read that time span seems to be pretty normal - may lean a little either way. 

Right before I started radiation I was starting to feel a little better, then towards the end of radiation I was feeling worn down again.  Now that I am about 6 weeks out of radiation I actually feel better than I have in a long time.  I'm starting to feel a little like my old self again.   I agree with Diane - I think our recovery time and ability to bounce back is on an individual basis, just like the SE's from chemo.  

Throughout my life I have always been active, but have had periods where I got lazy.  I've always been able to bounce back without too much struggle.  However, I have noticed that I am much weaker (I'm 43) and am working harder to recover muscle tone and stamina. 

It gets better...........

clariceak

Congrats on finishing your last chemo.  I was told the average time between chemo and rads was 3 to 4 weeks.  I did AC/weekly taxol and was able to persuade the rad onc to start me within 2.5 weeks of chemo.  Although we are all different, I think you'll feel much better as the chemo starts to move out of your system.

I started exercising right away during rads and ended up having more energy than before treatment.  I'm not sure how long this will last because I'm supposed to start on Armidex this week.  I was told to expect some fatigue after the 3 week of rads.

You'll find this is a very positive group.  We help each other through the rough patches, and look forward to getting to know you.

nowords

I had chemo first, two weeks later I had surgery, 3 weeks later I had radiation. Exercise does help, eat lots of protein during rads. I was dragging for a few months after rads ended, and it was another month before I really started to feel better...but part of that was probably emotional...and the tamoxifen still leaves me less energetic than normal but I am adjusting. I was 50 when I did all the treatment etc. and in great health other than the CANCER! 

MoinTexas

I am also 65, now, diagnosed at 63.  I waited 3 weeks from chemo to starting radiation.  It would have been longer if my red blood count had not been high enough - my rad onc will not start or continue radiation unless the RBC is 12 or more - he said it would not have enough effectiveness, and put me on meds to keep it up during radiation.  Also encouraged eating proteins, especially meats.  A high RBC also keeps you from feeling tired, worn out, shaky, etc.  I did not really feel the tiredness during radiation that a lot of the women here report they felt, although it was very tedious.

 Marilyn

karen1956

I started rads 3 weeks post chemo...this was the earliest that I could start.  The biggest side effect with rads was fatigue and red itchy skin.  Good luck to you.

KerryMac

I started 4 weeks after finishing Chemo. Interestingly, I was told that was the earliest I could start! Started Tamoxifen the same day.

Beverly11

I started rads and tamox 5 weeks after chemo finished.  5 weeks was the best I could get due to their scheduling.