Help needed: Starting radiation soon/unsure about what to expect

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chandi
chandi Member Posts: 5
edited January 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello everyone,

I recently joined this site and have been very grateful with all the support and advice from other members. It is a difficult time and can be overwhelming. My oncologist has recommended that I undergo radiation treatment for 6-8 weeks, along with hormonal therapy. I had the following questions:

  • Any good radiologists that you know of (around the DC area in particular as I am based here)
  • Any suggestions/experiences on the type of treatment that works or not - What to expect
  • Is it important to get all treatments from the same hospital (should the medical oncologist and radiologist be part of the same hospital)

Finally, was wondering if they were any women out there who have been recommended radiation + hormone therapy and NO chemo. My oncologist thinks that chemo will not be beneficial to me (based on negative nodes, age, lobular cancer less responsive to chemo and onco score of 19). I am relieved that chemo has not been recommended but am still worried if I am making the right decision by opting for only radiation and hormonal therapy.


Thank you!!!

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    HI Chandi. Dr Croog at Sibley is my RO and she is amazing. My MO is Dr Nunes there but it's not crucial they be at the same place. My oncotype DX score was 18 and I chose no chemo.

    Feel free to PM me. Also the ladies on the "January RADS" board are awesome and supportIve. But Sibley was a great choice for me.

    It will all go by faster than you think!


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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    Chandi, I should have added that I think you've made the right choice, as recommended by your doctors, to not do chemo. Trust them, trust the science, and trust yourself. Hope you can get started on radiation soon and go kick cancer's butt. :)

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2018

    I am getting radiation closer to home at a diff hospital the my surgery and medical oncologist. I did get the opinion of their RO before I went to a local one though. I am doing prone (so I am on my stomach) my understanding is that it limits the radiation to breast tissue only. It depends on your anatomy and possibly node involvement if you'd be a candidate. But , you may want to ask about it.

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