Radiotherapy Post RC

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Hi everyone,

Im 12 weeks post RC and all going ok in terms of getting used to the new normal; I had an update from my surgeon two weeks ago that the pathology results showed no signs of spread to the other organs removed which was great news; they requested an early CT scan which I will get first week of Feb and said that if that was fine the next scan would be August and then once every six months.  

I had a call today, a bit out of the blue, from the oncologists secretary to arrange an appointment to discuss radiotherapy.  

I had chemo pre surgery but radiotherapy post surgery hadnt been mentioned so Im in fact finding mode if anyone has taken this road post RC and can share any insights in terms of what it is like/things to expect I would be really grateful.

  • That sounds really odd. Was radiotherapy mentioned as a possible alternative to surgery? If so, probably a very overdue appointment! I have never heard of radiotherapy post op, only chemo. Someone else may know better...

    Glad to hear all going well otherwise.

  • Given what you've been told by your team prior to the call from the Oncology dept., I would also have been a bit surprised. My treatment path (radiotherapy then 2 x TURBTs) differs from yours but I did pick up on one comment from my oncologist that may possibly have some bearing on your treatment. It was that curative radiotherapy (= high cumulative dose) is more effective if followed by chemo i.e. a sort of belt and braces approach. Does the same apply if done the other way round? I don't know. I would tend to go along to the oncology appointment if it is not major hassle, just out of curiosity and for the opportunity to ask questions. They may give you further insight or, as Teasswill suggested, read your notes and find that treatment to date has overtaken an earlier option, making radiotherapy unnecessary. Pleased to hear that you are in other respects doing well after RC.   Best wishes, Ray