how soon after chemo did you start radiation?

yellow78

Hi Everyone!

 I have my last chemo on Thursday, November 18th and was wondering how soon after did everyone start radiation?

Thanks, Jenn 

dlb823

Jenn, if your last chemo is November 18, it's likely they'll want you to start radiation the first week of January.  6 weeks is pretty normal and some RT centers have a lot of docs on holiday the last two weeks of December, so I'll bet they'll suggest the first week of January for you.    Deanna

shells43

It was 3 weeks for me between my last chemo and the start of rads. True enough though about the holidays. Good luck!

LouLou40

Exactly 3 weeks to the day I finished Chemo, that was the earliest my Rad Onc would start.

libraylil

You are right about the Dec holidays and the mds.  Personally I had the nerve to get diagnosed during the summer when a lot were on vaca also. My last chemo is Friday after T'giving. They were able to get me in for surgery within the 6 weeks mark on Jan 4.  Beth

Fearless_One

I think I started late - about 6 weeks and the doctor said it was now or never, that my window was about to close.  

NatureGrrl

Finished chemo, Sept. 23.  Lumpectomy, Oct. 29.  Radiation started Dec. 7.   My schedule was wonky because I had surgery AFTER chemo instead of before. Of no relevance to your question, except to point out that there are exceptions/variations. I was a good 12 weeks out from chemo when I started radiation -- yes, only because I had my surgery after chemo -- but still, 12 weeks. I'm now one year out and still gratefully NED.

rcca

I started rads 2 weeks after chemo. I was told 2 to 3 weeks but wanted to be done ASAP.

sheila888

I just checked my diary.

I finished chemo November 1

Started Radiation November 28

January 12 I finished it.

yellow78

HI,

Thanks everyone!  I am hoping to find out more information this week on when I will be starting.  I think if I can remember my nurse told me it could be any where from 2 - 4 weeks off before starting.  I would rather start sooner than later but with the holidays coming who knows.  Thanks again! Jenn 

Char2010

Jenn - my onco told me to start rads 3-4 weeks after chemo

Mandy1313

I was told by a famous rads onc that it is best to start rads within 6 months of the surgery for the best result.  So I ended up doing rads at the same time as chemo (I had a long chemo protocol).