Standard of Care - Radiation

I was told by 2 different doctors in 2 totally different healthcare systems that ideally radiation starts no later than 3 months from last surgery. I didn't ask them how soon as by the time I talked to an RO, I was already 1 month from my surgery. By the time I actually started radiation, it was close to 3 months from my surgery. Think those are just "general guidelines". RO wants to start asap once the wound has healed to a reasonable extend.

Hi NSJ2 - sorry for the delay in my response, I am traveling a lot for business for the next few weeks.  

I also read within 3 months after surgery for DCIS, and within 3 months after completion of chemo for invasive cancer; but these are just guidelines and biologically I don't think it matters.  A few of the women getting radiation at the same time as me had some surgical problems (e.g., wound healing problems) and they started radiation 4 months after surgery.

Best wishes to you.

Started radiation four weeks after surgery.

NSJ2, mine is DCIS, more than 3.5cm. First excision was in early Apr, 2nd excision in early Aug to clear the margin. Radiation started in late Oct.

I have a low grade DCIS and the RO said 3-6 weeks after surgery. Due to the thanksgiving holiday, I was having trouble getting a consultation appt and they are pretty insistent that I get in before the 6 week window closes.

I don't want to spread any misinformation-- just so you know I did not discuss a timeline with the RO yet. 3-6 weeks is just what the nurse said when booking my appointment. She didn't know details of my diagnosis. I was hoping to wait until after Christmas, but it doesn't seem like an option. I will certainly know more tomorrow.

Hi NSJ2,

I've been getting BC treatment at Stony Brook University Hospital in Long Island. When I asked my RO about timing of radiation, he said 4 weeks after surgery is ideal, as long as your surgeon OK's it. Ideal because the surgery has had time to heal, and because clinical studies have shown radiation is most effective when given then. I asked what about 8 weeks or 3 months later, and he said it would be less effective if you wait even that much longer.

In my case, I have IDC which is ER-, PR-, and HER2+. I had a 6cm tumor in April. Neoadjuvant chemo reduced it to 1mm. Finished chemo 9/6, had a lumpectomy 10/2, and started radiation 11/7. I know, that's 5 weeks later, but we had Hurricane Sandy!!! 

Sounds like you discovered it in a very early stage, so maybe that's a factor too in radiation start date? Good luck with everything.

Update: At the appt, the RO said he would want to start rads within 8 weeks of surgery.