I was diagnosed in late November 2019. Had surgery on the 22nd January 2020 was told that 99.9% it was gone.. Yeah I thought why not tell me 100% (I lost my plot that day). I was then told to have another mammogram the following week but as there was so much bruising and swelling and it was painful it was deferred for 2 weeks. I had that one and it was ok I saw the surgeon who was awesome and she told me that they will be in touch for the bone density test before I start treatment... I had the bone density test and then the wait started...I had another mammogram in August and was told I didn't need to see the Dr.. so off I went home which I was kind of happy about thinking that treatment will start soon...My question is how long does a person have to wait to start treatment? I am going through Fiona Stanley Hospital here in Perth so I guess being a public patient that might be the delay....I cannot fault the Breast Clinic at the hospital they are wonderful but it is the waiting that is driving me insane.Hugs to everyone xx

Hi Elvenwishes, your wait seems excessive to me too. I had private surgery in April and started my radiation as a public patient at SCGH in July. Have you heard anything from the radiation oncology department at all? If not, it might be best to contact your surgeon. Mine advised me to contact him if I hadn’t heard from radiation oncology within- can’t actually remember now, but say a month! ( I had heard from them by then.)I found the waiting worse than the treatment, so really feel for you! Hope you get it started soon. Best wishes!

Now and then patients fall between the cracks so it is a good idea to be in touch with them just in case. As the others have said, send something in writing (like an email with a receipt attached) and then phone to 'check they received it'.We all find we have to fight for ourselves at times and even if the delay is required for some reason at least you will know that and you won't be sitting around worrying. Let us know how you get on. <3

A bone density test would also be done before starting hormone blocking treatment too. Thats when mine was done to get a base reading.

Yes, I think that wait is too long. As @arpie said, follow up on it but also have it in written form

@Leia now that you mention it, mine told me the same thing. The practice manager sent referrals to a few specialists and kept checking with me that they had all contacted me. @Elvenwishes call your surgeon and ask what’s happening

Waiting for Radiation Therapy

arpie
Member
5 years ago
In my opinion, A wait for Rads of 10 months is excessive, even for public hospital patients!

How long ago did you see the Radiation Oncologist? Are you in Hormone Tablets?

Usually they wait until your scarring isn't as 'fresh' .... then do it shortly after - so often starting rads about 2 months after the surgery.

I had my surgery in mid January 2018 and had the rads in the 4 weeks leading up to Easter 2018.

If you ring them, put it in writing to them as as 'backup' .... and good luck! I hope you start your rads soon!
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Yes, I think that wait is too long. As @arpie said, follow up on it but also have it in written form
June1952
Member
5 years ago
Now and then patients fall between the cracks so it is a good idea to be in touch with them just in case. As the others have said, send something in writing (like an email with a receipt attached) and then phone to 'check they received it'.
We all find we have to fight for ourselves at times and even if the delay is required for some reason at least you will know that and you won't be sitting around worrying. Let us know how you get on. <3
Leia
Member
5 years ago
Hi Elvenwishes, your wait seems excessive to me too. I had private surgery in April and started my radiation as a public patient at SCGH in July. Have you heard anything from the radiation oncology department at all? If not, it might be best to contact your surgeon. Mine advised me to contact him if I hadn’t heard from radiation oncology within- can’t actually remember now, but say a month! ( I had heard from them by then.)
I found the waiting worse than the treatment, so really feel for you! Hope you get it started soon.
Best wishes!
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
@Leia now that you mention it, mine told me the same thing. The practice manager sent referrals to a few specialists and kept checking with me that they had all contacted me. @Elvenwishes call your surgeon and ask what’s happening
Jwrenn
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Elvenwishes, I was diagnosed just before Christmas and had to wait till my GP was back from holidays in January to find out what was happening next, so I know the waiting can be very frustrating. I also didn’t know when I was seeing the oncologist and rad oncologist till I decided to be proactive and ring my breast care nurse. She was very helpful and got onto both for me. So if you have a breast care nurse she might be able to find out what’s going on for you? I was in the public system too, and had surgery in February and radiation in April/ May. My radiation was in a private clinic but I was public and didn’t pay a thing for it.
Hope you find out soon, waiting is the worst.
kazb
Member
5 years ago
A bone density test would also be done before starting hormone blocking treatment too. Thats when mine was done to get a base reading.
Abbydog
Member
5 years ago
Dear elvenwishes,
I don't know what surgery you had in December. But a Mammogram so soon after doesn't sound good.
It doesn't sound like you have had a clear plan of treatment made.
You had bone density testing, did you start any oral medication after that?
As Jwrenn says, maybe a Breast care nurse can help to get things clarified.
I can't imagine why such a long time from surgery to Radiotherapy.
You need to be proactive, for your own sake.
Blister
Member
5 years ago
@Elvenwishes from what I've been told to expect this seems a long wait. Do you have a Breast Care Nurse, from what I've been told these women are angels and will help you navigate and get the answers for and chase things up. Im at the beginning of my treatment, so don't know the answer get in contact with her and your doctor
Cath62
Member
5 years ago
Hi there, this does not seem right. What is the overall plan? The wait is too long. Call your dr and ask for a clear treatment plan. Even having a mammogram when you did seems strange. I wish you all the best. Please update us on what's happening for you. Good luck