DOCTOR IS DOING RADIATION AFTER JUST ONE CHEMO TREATMENT

tadog

My sister was recently diagnosed IBC and it has spread to her bones. She is having a lot of back pain. After just one chemo treatment, her doctor stopped the chemo to do radiation on her back. Does this sound right? She is scheduled to have three weeks of radiology Mon-Fri. I would think she needs chemo first. Any feedback would be appreciated.

SelenaWolf

Radiation is often used for pain control... to bring the tumour causing the pain under control, thus alleviating the pain.  The doctor may want to address her quality-of-life issues (i.e., the pain) and get her back healing before continuing chemotherapy.  Also, if the bone is too weakened by tumour burden, she could suffer a fracture; the radiation will help prevent this before it happens.

ibcmets

Tadog,

I had Zometa along with chemo when diagnosed for ibc with bone mets in 6/09. Recently, I just did rads for a new bone met 4 years later. After chemo, I went on Femara along with Zometa & it did a great job for 4 years.

I would think they are doing this for bone pain as well and to eliminate any fractures. If she has ibc, I heard chemo is always first & I probably would not want to stop this unless she is close to fracturing any bones.

Terri

Kicks

Why did her Dr do the change?  There is some reason.  Go with her to appts with her and you can ask your questions to the Drs.  She  an also (if she wants to) list you as one who can call the Dr and ask your questions.    I have Hubby and Son are listed with ALL my Drs so if I can't explain to them (or they don't understand) what is going on with me.  I have no sisters/brothers, parents/in laws.

tadog

Selena, my sister said the doctor told her she has a small fracture in her back, so that is probably the reason. But I'm concerned about her not having chemo for almost two months. She had her first and only chemo about six weeks ago. I don't know if the doctor thinks it's too late for chemo or what. I'm going to get my sister to put me and my other sister down as contacts the doctor can speak to. Thanks everyone for their feedback. I'm sure I will be back with more questions.

Kicks

Perhaps I mis-read - your Sister had 1 chemo and has been waiting 2 months for radiation?  Why did she only do/have 1 chemo?  Why did you wait so long to ask about no treatment?  I do not understand!