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Elvenwishes's avatar
Elvenwishes
Member
5 years ago

Waiting for Radiation Therapy

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
radiation

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  • FLClover's avatar
    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 
  • Leia's avatar
    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!
  • June1952's avatar
    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
  • FLClover's avatar
    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

  • arpie's avatar
    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!