What to ask the Radiation Oncologist?

@eastmum Knowing others had made it helped me!  That's what happens here, isn't it?

wow @sister - how amazing that you've nearly finished radiotherapy! It seems like it was just the other day that you were wondering if you'll make it past 9 taxols. That's where I am now! You are always so inspiring for me. Especially as you're another lobular gal! :)

I don't know what the reality is but thought it interesting to report what I was told today.

@sister I’ve been told size of breast (laaaaaaarge) and my age mean I will have 6 weeks

@Sister so glad to hear you are going well and nearly finished!!!!! Yes the 16+4 is overtaking the 25+5 as the standard now for breast only. 25 is still used if the axilla and/or supraclav nodes are being treated also. But it is a case by case as some womens skin type, internal anatomy and breast size is not suitable for hypofractionation.

@Sister Interesting.

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I saw the Registrar today - everything is looking good, I can expect that there may be deterioration up to 3 weeks, to keep the area out of the sun for at least 2 months and that I can go back to the clinic there or to my surgeon if there's any problems down the track.  It seems that aching or sharo shooting pain in the first 2 years is not uncommon.  I also found out that (according to them) 15 treatments at a higher dose is the current Australian standard unless there is something (i.e. patient's anatomy) that dictates otherwise, whereas it used to be 25.  I did ask why so many seem to have more treatments and he didn't know other than possibly that private clinics can then charge more.  I have 1 more treatment then I go back in 4 weeks for a review.

Thanks @zoffiel - that's a good question.  At least I'll have something to ask him in the appointment.  That's if I actually see him, of course, and not his Registrar - it seems Associate Professor's have way too much importance to talk to their patients.  Oh well, I don't really care as long as the treatment is right - everyone at the RAH has been nice during treatment.  I see my onc next week and my surgeon for my review the week after (and hopefully get this port out, then).

Same here @Vangirl.

I've been told that the breast surgeon and oncologist will see me alternating every three months after the end of 'active' treatment, for the first year. Have assumed I won't need to see the rad onc again...