How long doctor wait after lumpectomy to start radiation?

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FightBC
FightBC Member Posts: 57
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I had my third lumpectomy on 20th march. I am going to have my radiation oncologist appointment next week. 

I was wondering how long do they wait after lumpectomy to start radiation. 

Thanks,

1/7: DCIS stage 0

three lumpectomies in a month period of time.

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  • SLB11
    SLB11 Member Posts: 32
    edited April 2014

    I am wondering this same thing!

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited April 2014

    Generally, 4 - 6  weeks.  I had to wait 8 weeks because of a seroma from the LX.

    Carol

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited April 2014

    I only waited 3 weeks. I did ask if it could be sooner because of a job and everyone was in agreement that I had healed well enough. 

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  • faerywings
    faerywings Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2014

    I had my lump on March 3, CT scan was March 26, sim April 3, and started treatment on April 7. It seems to me, from what I have read, that is a common period of time, assuming you have healed well. I still had steri-strips on when they did my CT and they removed them to make sure the skin was closed. If it was open they said they would have to wait. 

    Good luck!

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited April 2014

    I apologize, I'm blaming chemo brain! It was 4 weeks! 

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    Thanks girls! 

    I will have my schedule by end of this week, I hope. 

    I am really worried about my skin. More worried than lumpectomy. 

    My skin is sensitive and I get tired really soon. And these are the two things that may just break me.

    On top of that hubby is arguing with me for silly things. Not a good mental state.

    Just don't want to deal with anything or anyone.

    : (

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  • Sharon3614
    Sharon3614 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2014

    I had lumpectomy march 5  reexcision march 26 to clear margins and CT and SIM APRIL 9 and my 6 weeks of radiation starts next Monday the 21st. Seems to me that I have been through a whirlwind !

    Very nervous mainly about exposure to other body parts  I already am anemic and that is worrisome as we'll 

    As well as marital static and no other females in household"!!!   not much understanding !

    Thank God for my sister who is coming for her third visit since diagnosis march 27 or so 

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    sharon3614, hang in there. Let's pray for each other.

    I am glad that we have this outlet. I have gotten good support on this forum.

    I am sure you will do fine. 

    I will keep posted about my progress. 

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    I am back from sims.

    It took an hour for me. The nurse took me inside the room where they did CT scan. Then she asked me to breathe thru' those tubes as I m going to do ABC. the radiologist thought that it is helpful, and I should use ABC. the doctor came and marked my area around with permanent marker and said incision healing well. I still have steri strip.

    Then the nurse did put some tape on that, and then put tattoo only on two points.

    Looks like I am going to start on 28th. Next Friday is dry run.

    Breathing with tubes wasn't so bad. I did not like when I had to swallow, no way to do that. Otherwise, it was okay.

    I need to get udder cream that was suggested from dollar store, couple of camis with bra, and few shirts that I won't mind tossing after the end of treatment. And I am set.

    Nurse was nice, and she gave me warm blanket to cover.

    I could not sleep though, last night! I was quite depressed! Missed my parents who do not know about my BC. But source of strength for me. I will see them in December and let them know the roller coaster ride I had. Just imagined my mom hugging me and holding me tight as always. Cried a lot!

    Life is just unfair!!!!!

      


     


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  • Debbiesue18
    Debbiesue18 Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2014

    I had my surgery March 12, 2014 and I started radiation April 16, 2014.  I am going to the Dana Farber in Boston.  I was well healed, but I am already swollen and pink after only three sessions.  I am doing the accelerated program (fewer sessions with more radiation at each session).  They recommend using only Aquaphor for skin and want me to only use a baking soda/corn starch mixture for deoderant. 

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    Thanks Debbiesue18. 

    I wish you all the best for remaining sessions. 

    How do you make deodorant with baking soda/corn starch mixture?

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  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited April 2014

    Ok, what is the process?? I see people mentioning a CT scan, is that your entire body or just the breast area? What is this "tattoo" marking? I'm just week out of surgery, so I'm jumping a little ahead of my self, but really want to know

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  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited April 2014

    bump

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    HomeMom, 

    During sims, they do CT scan. Radiation oncologist comes and mark the area with permanent marker (in my case). Radiologist added two tiny tattoos. I felt as if I took shots. 

     I couldn't see any of these marking or tattoos next day. It was okay to clean while showering, in my case. 

    Not entire body. 

    Please read my earlier post here. 

    I am going to have dry run Monday now. I will let you know how it goes. 

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  • HomeMom
    HomeMom Member Posts: 1,198
    edited April 2014

    Thanks FightBC - I will be thrilled tomorrow if my path report from surgery shows clear nodes so I can get going with rads instead of chemo. fingers, toes and eyes crossed 

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    good luck homemom!

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  • FightBC
    FightBC Member Posts: 57
    edited April 2014

    So, I had my dry run today. 

    It took less than 10 minutes to x-ray me, and make some drawings again around my left breast. 

    The technicians were nice. One man, another woman. 

    I came to know that I will be done on June 10th. 

    Last 5 days is boost. 

    I was worried for my dry-run. And was waiting for my turn in waiting room. 

    There was an 82 year old woman started talking to me. She was nice and sharing her experience and wisdom. 

    Felt her support and caring. God bless her. 

    I am starting tomorrow. Most of my appointments are in the evening except first two, which are early in the morning.. 

    Worried and scared! Let's hope for less side effects. 

    Thanks,

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