When to start radiation?

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DMS
DMS Member Posts: 51
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I had surgery Monday for DCIS, pathology report came back with clear margins (Yea!!!).  How long can I wait to start radiation?  I have a long standing vacation scheduled this August (9-23) and will need to cancel in the next few days.  While I would like to go on vacation, I don't want to do so at the risk of jeopardizing my treatment.  I won't see my surgeon until Tuesday and don't know how soon I can get in to see the radiation oncologist.  Thank you in advance for your input.

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited July 2010

    Try to get in to see the radiation oncologist as soon as possible.  The next step is simulation.  Then they need time for treatment planning.  If you can get the initial consult and simulation done before you go on vacation the time they need for treatment planning will overlap your vacation and you should be fine to start soon after you get back.  That's how I did it a year ago.

    How urgently they want you to start varies depending on how aggressive the tumor is, but that schedule should be fine for you.   

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited July 2010

    I believe they generally want you to start rads 6 weeks after surgery, but it's not written in stone.  I had extensive surgery and wanted to wait a while longer for healing, rad onc was OK with that.  I think I started at 9 or 10 weeks out.

    Redsox has a good point, try to see the rad onc and schedule the sim as soon as possible, so you won't have to waste time doing it when you get back 

    I'm sure you can still take your vacation. 

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