Radiation treatment time

Nimm

I moved from Houston to Arkansas to be with family and receive radiation.  Doctor here says four weeks rather than 6.  Houston doctor said 6.  Radiation oncologist here did provide evidence from studies made in Canada but am wondering if this will be enough radiation considering standard is 6 weeks? Please share the length of your rads and your opinions on this. Thanks

Kicks

There are many variables with all TX plans.  There is no 'One Size Fits All'.  I did 25 rads (5 weeks)  and no boosts but some will do boosts.  

TB90

Hi Nimm:  The shorter protocol is from Canada originally and has been proven by recent studies to be just as effective.  Your total dosage of radiation will be the same, just more dose dense per visit.  Many people opt for this as the overall treatment is shorter.  So you choose based on your preference.  I wanted this protocol and live in Canada, but my old school RO still preferred the longer treatment.  If I had my choice, I would go with the shorter version.  But my choice is irrelevant   Good luck with whatever you choose.

sophie456

Hi, Before starting radiation threapy after my recurrence I went for an additional opinion.  The two doctors had very different opinions about treatment plans.  One said it was very important to have radiation before or at least during chemo and wanted to concentrate the beams on the area of the recurrence the other doctor said radiation is always done after chemo and wanted to do full breast radiation with rads to the lymph nodes.  

I think it is normal for the doctors to have very different opinions about things.  In the end I went with the doctor I had rads with in 2011 and did it after chemo.  I am having 27 treatments (25 + and extra two to compensate because I had to take a break during rads because I had an open appendectomy).  Also  this is my second time having rads, my situation is a little unusual.

Lilyluv

Hi Nimm,  I had the 4 week protocol.  It's supposed to be just as effective as the 6wk.  Ultimately the choice is up to you.  I was glad to get out of there after 4 weeks.  That daily grind got old quick.  I also had 3 boosts at the end to the tumor bed which isn't always done. The disc problems in my neck didn't like laying on that treatment table so for me 4 weeks was the best choice.  What's nice is that at least we have a choice now.  Do your research on the 4 week (aka Canadian protocol) protocol.  Easier to feel comfortable with a decision the more you know.