After Radiation what is next?

jcarolh

Hello,

My radiation ended approximately 3 weeks ago.  I was told that I am doing fine.  

My question is when does the port usually come out?  Also, many women take some type of pills after chemo and radiation is completed.  I was told that I did not have the indicators that I needed to take any pills.  Is this normal?  I'm wondering if I should get a second opinion.   

Thanking you in advance.

MerrellGirl

Hi jcarolh,

Congrats on being finished with the heavy-hitter treatments.  I did not have a port so I don't know when that would come out - perhaps give your oncologist a call about it?  Regarding pills, if your cancer was positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors, then some type of hormonal therapy (pills) might be indicated.  Again, your oncologist will know that for sure.  I used to make a list of questions for my onco doc and check them off at our next visit.  If you're not scheduled to see yours for a while, put a call in.  Only after you have some answers will you be able to consider whether you want another opinion. 

It's often difficult to go from having multiple appointments a week to having no appointment.  It was for a lot of us.  Here's a link to an article I just read today after someone else here posted it.  I found it very helpful and it's not that long either.  Paste the whole address into a new web page.

http://www.cancercounselling.org.uk/northsouth/extra4.nsf/WebResClient/1761049276601BD68025735B00604834/$FILE/article3.pdf

Try to take it easy on yourself.  You deserve a break. . .(((hugs)))