Time frame between chemo, surgery and radiation

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Jnnmn7
Jnnmn7 Member Posts: 66
edited August 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi, I have my last chemo 8/16 and my surgeon is planning surgery sometime in September, have to coordinate with the plastic surgeon(TE) so no date yet. I meet with my RO the day after chemo to discuss radiation. Just curious what kind of schedules everyone else has had/having. I'm nervous about needing to start radiation sooner than I'll be able to due to the surgeons schedules.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited August 2017

    i finished chemo on 5/29, had surgery on 6/27 and started rads on 8/10. Radiation was delayed a couple weeks because my surgical drain stayed in longer than planned. It's generally about a month between each.

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  • Jnnmn7
    Jnnmn7 Member Posts: 66
    edited August 2017

    Did you have expanders? I'm linking at probably 12 weeks from chemo to rads due to surgery and expansion. Not sure if we swap out prior to rads or not. Mainly concerned that 12 weeks is too long to wait to start radiation.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited August 2017

    No expenders for me. I had large breasts and went with a lumpectomy with reduction and lift to match. Mine was a one stop shop in the OR, which suits me well since this was my first surgery and I don't want another.

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  • gocancergone
    gocancergone Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    My timing was 1 month after chemo, mastectomy and TE placement. One month heal time then radiation ( I healed very well). Then at least six months months before reconstruction to let my skin and inside tissue fully heal from radiation. I just had reconstruction surgery. It was not as bad as the mastectomy and TE placement. Good luck to you.

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  • Jnnmn7
    Jnnmn7 Member Posts: 66
    edited August 2017

    Thanks for your response. Curious if you had shrinkage from chemo? I'm ER+ PR+ HER- also. Doesn't seem like it did much, MRI to be scheduled.Also, how was it having the expander in?

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited August 2017

    It seems like 4-6 weeks are usually recommended between surgery and chemo and again between chemo and rads. Of course - it depends on your healing and recovery from some SE's.


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  • Lanne2389
    Lanne2389 Member Posts: 229
    edited August 2017

    4-1/2 months chemo ended 5/14, surgery (double m with expanders) on 6/14, and radiation started 8/8. Have to wait minimum of 6 months (per PS) or 9 months (per radiologist) to swap in implants. Wild ride!




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  • Lanne2389
    Lanne2389 Member Posts: 229
    edited August 2017

    4-1/2 months chemo ended 5/14, surgery (double m with expanders) on 6/14, and radiation started 8/8. Have to wait minimum of 6 months (per PS) or 9 months (per radiologist) to swap in implants. Wild ride!

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  • WorryWartSuzie
    WorryWartSuzie Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2017

    I had bilateral mastectomy on Halloween. Silicone placed on right and spacer on the left (cancer side). Completed 16 cycles of chemotherapy on May 11, 2017, and had my silicone implant placed May 31, 2017, on the left (cancer side). Started radiation therapy July 13th and still receiving it until the end of August. You have to heal and so they recommended 2 to 4 weeks between procedures for me. So far, so good..I wish you the sincerest best of luck.

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