Radiation Questions

Hello Positive. Which type of surgery are you having? Lumpectomies are usually followed by radiation, whereas mastectomies are usually not. I am having a lumpectomy on October 4. I was able to meet with the radiation oncologist and at this hospital rads start about 3 weeks out from surgery. This would be traditional rads, not the type that you may be a candidate for. I would encourage you to ask your doctor any questions you have. Hope that helps some

Positive-if you have brachytherapy (balloon catheter radiation), you generally start shortly after your lumpectomy. Things you might consider asking your doc:

-when will the catheter be inserted? Where will the procedure take place? How long will it take?

-can you describe what the actual treatment will be like? How often will I go to treatment? How long will it take? How will I feel during radiation? Will I be able to work during radiation treatment?

-how long is the recovery period?

I had this type of radiation treatment earlier this year. It was really pretty easy. I didn't work for the week of treatment, but I had the luxury of having loads of leave. Having treatment for anhour, twice a day, over a week certainly beats six weeks of daily treatment!