Choosing protocol for RT

Options
Whitney923
Whitney923 Member Posts: 10
edited October 2020 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

My RO has told me to let him know if I want to the "American Protocol" which he predicts to be 4-6 weeks for me, or the "Canadian" which would be 3-5 weeks at the higher "dosage." My concerns with the shorter course are that SEs will set in sooner and/or be more pronounced. Does anybody know if my concerns are unfounded or what else should I take into consideration when making this decision? He said it was entirely up to me.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • arabiansrock
    arabiansrock Member Posts: 98
    edited October 2020

    Good question. I was just told here is what you are getting 4 weeks. I did find out later that my RO follows the canadian protocol. So far 1 week done, only side effect so far is some swelling and slight discomfort on the scar tissue by my incision. Good luck, both protocols work.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited October 2020

    I had the Canadian protocol and it was about 19 rounds. Really, it was a piece of cake. No burning or blistering.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • callmegenie
    callmegenie Member Posts: 74
    edited October 2020

    Hi, I think most ROs use the Canadian protocol nowadays. It's shorter and as effective. I think the SE are the same. I got the Canadian protocol (but I was never offered the choice). They use larger amounts of radiation over a shorter period of time. Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Whitney923
    Whitney923 Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2020

    thank you all-

    Genie, that is really helpful; I didn't know which was more common and I was worried that getting more radiation in a shorter period of time would increase the side effects.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories