When to start radiation ?

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MrsDarcy
MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi - I was operated on October 8 and waiting (still) for my first appointment for rads.  I have been tattooed (Dec. 2) and although the hospital "tentatively" had me starting tomorrow, now I am not - I called to find out.  I then had to leave a message for the patient coordinator to get back to me - but that usually takes a few days.

My MO mentioned that radiation is to be started within the 12 week period AFTER surgery.   December 24 brings me to 11 weeks - with no scheduled date in sight.   I tried the RO's office - but that's where I keep getting to leave my messages.


I am not sure if this is normal and am I just over-reacting ?

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited December 2013

    Did you have adjuvant chemo (after surgery)?  I started rads 16 weeks after aurgery BUT I had started 12 weekly Taxol 3 weeks after surgery and a week after last Taxol I started rads.  You might want to call Patient Affairs/Advocate at the Center or the Breast Cancer Navigator.  Could also call your Chemo Dr and get him/her to check on whats taking so long.

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2013

    I just got a call from the patient coordinator 2 seconds ago ( further to the message I left them).  They are looking into it. I didn't have chemo so I have been literally sitting around waiting. ;).  I should hear from them tomorrow or Friday.  Thanks for the advice Kicks :)

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2014

    Junipergirl, You are not over reacting. I just reviewed several abstracts on the intervals between surgery and RT start and definitely 12 weeks is getting defined as "delayed". Also a surgeon I had a consult with on a different matter told me 12 weeks was outter limit.

    Make a stink about it and get the care you need.

    I'll check back and see how you are doing.

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2014

    Hi Desalonde :).  I started my rads on Dec. 26.  Just a few days shy of 12 weeks.  Today I am going for session 5 of 21.  There is a whole series of events around this portion of my treatment and admittingly, it has left me unimpressed.  But at least the ball is rolling now ;).  

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2014

    Junipergirl, Good to know you are getting the care you need. I hope it goes smoothly for you these weeks forward. Thinking of you>

    Des

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