One doc said 6 weeks of radiation, other said 4

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pinkytuscadero
pinkytuscadero Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi, all.

This is my first post, though I've been lurking for some time. I am 41 with two young kids, diagnosed with DCIS in January. I had a left breast lumpectomy and am getting prepared for radiation. The first radiation oncologist I met with told me six weeks of treatment. I didn't have a good feeling with him and opted for a second opinion. The second RO told me four weeks. I told Doc #2 about the conversation I had with Doc #1 and that I was confused about how their suggestions could differ by two weeks.

Doc #2 said that six weeks has been the standard for so long but that the medical community is learning that four weeks is sufficient. 

I really like Doc #2 -- both docs are at first-rate hospitals, by the way. And it would be easier to go four weeks instead of six. (Part of the reason I got a second opinion was because I was concerned about exposure to my heart and lungs.) 

But part of me is asking -- is four weeks really enough?

Anyone else go through this? Thanks, in advance.

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited March 2014

    ~6 weeks has been standard in the USA but ~4 weeks has been standard in Canada. For the shorter course they use a higher dose for each treatment so the total doses are equivalent biologically. There was concern about complications but any differences seem to be minor.  The shorter plan is a reasonable option.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited March 2014

    Pinky - I had 33 RADS treatments. That was decided on the front end. I don't know if 4 weeks is the new norm. Since you have 2 drs with 2 different opinions I would ask my Oncologist. I did like my Rads oncologist- he was a man if few words but very likable as were the techs. Diane 

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  • BigDBeatingBigC
    BigDBeatingBigC Member Posts: 292
    edited March 2014

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/818079?page=9#idx_264

    Pinky, come join us in the Spring 2014 Rads thread.  I am currently undergoing 4 weeks instead of 6.  That is what my RO prefers and he said there is no cause for concern.  He has been doing this for a few years now.  There are some doctors who still prefer the 6 weeks, so it is just a matter of what you prefer to do.  I agree, it is easier to get this done a bit sooner, at last for me, because I work full time and I am happy to be done in 4 weeks.  But other ladies in here prefer to have it done over 6 weeks.  Edwards had a good suggestion, to see what your MO says if you are having a difficult time deciding.

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited March 2014

    I had 19 rounds of radiation.  I had no problems and so glad I didn't do 6 weeks.  An extra 2 weeks would have seemed like an additional month.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2014

    I did 25 rads (5 weeks) and no boosters.

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  • pinkytuscadero
    pinkytuscadero Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, all, for sharing your experiences. I didn't even think to ask my MO, so thanks for that suggestion. This is all so freaky and so much is unknown. It helps to hear from people who are further along in the journey.

    Wishing everyone good health!

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