How long is to long to wait for radiation

I too thought exactly the same...although my surgeries and treatments have been swift...there was only a weeks break form my last surgery before I started chemo...It's hard not to get impatient! .I know it seems like an eternity, but your body does need to recover from one thing before they bombard you with another..

Trust your team, and ask lots of questions...I see on here recently alot of women saying they feel like they are "bothering" their nurse or dr...you should NEVER feel that way! They are there to provide a service, support you and advise you every step of the way through treatments etc... So if you aren't coping or are worried about something, no matter how small.. CALL!

Wishing you all the best

Tracy 

xX

I'v recently had my surgery & feel exactly the same as you.  I'm also finding trust is a huge thing & am finding it a bit difficult atm.  I feel so ignorant.

Paula

sorry, the bit about the hormone tablets should read, it start after radio is finished, not chemo 

In my case my medical team suggested the following protocol

after my lumpectomy they wanted chemo to start within 6 weeks, of which we met this timeframe

my chemo is for 12 weeks and I have one week to go and the planning for radio has began, I see the radio oncologist next week for a planning session and have been told that within one month of chemo finishing, radio will start .

my oncologist said that hormone tablets don't start till chemo finishes.

all my treatment has been in the private sector, so my wait times have been minimal, my surgery was done, within 10 days of diagnosis.

i was also told that should I have not needed chemo, then radio should have started within 6-8 weeks post surgery for a lumpectomy

it really does seem to vary but do see if you can push for an earlier appt , the waiting is tough

angie 

I had to wait 4 months I had private cover but went public because of the out of pocket expenses. I rang the bc nurse and told her it was stressing me out waiting and the next day they rang me. I had 30 treatments and then your body needs to rest and heal before you start on meds. Radiation is like the mop that sweeps up any little cancer left. I'm noe4 years post diagnosis. Regards adean

Funny, I have been thinking the exact same thing in the last week or two ! 

I had my lumpectomy 21 dec & just started radiation yesterday . . . .

I will ask at my next appointment, but do tend to trust the process with the experts ,

I am interested to see others comments ??

I've had the same thought.

I'm starting chemotherapy next month because I have to go through my IVF arrangements. I'm having radiotherapy after chemo. But I don't have a tumor to shrink. They removed it already. And I'm sitting here going - what is the point of pushing radio when the chemo should have done the remaining work? My cancer tested 80% PR and ER positive and I'll be at 5 months post diagnosis before the hormone suppressants get a look in.

I know it's no-one in particular's fault and there have been so many doctors looking after me but I was also only yesterday told that if I test positive for the genes I should have the breast removed. And if I have the breast removed I can forego the radio. So why didn't I have that test done immediately and have it known before I underwent the wide excision?

tsk.

Sorry I've gone on a little tirade there. These things have only occurred to me in the last 24 hours and the confusion is still fresh.

I'm just going to have to sit back and trust that the doctors know what they're doing.

Hi, there are some best practice protocols around when to start treatment. I can't remember what it is for radiation but I remember with chemo, the protocol is to start treatment within 3 months of being diagnosed (so that allows time for surgery and recovery). [In the US, I think it is 4 months]. 

It would be good if you could see your oncologist sooner though - just to put your fears at rest and answer questions. I gather you can't get an earlier appointment. Perhaps if you call them and explain you are a bit anxious about the timing and would like to be put on the waiting list for any cancelled appointments that might free up a space for you?

Regards, Anne

Thank you  Kari, I will call her it's just I know there are so many worse off so hate taking up her time. X

The waiting game is doing my head in and I truly hope you are in Paris for your fantastic milestone and if you het a chance to go to Lyon its wonderful x