Hi,
My daughter has developed a cough (chesty cough, no temp) and we have been told to self isolate fo 14 days and my radiotherapy has been suspended for 14 days also. I am quite concerned that taking this much of a break could have a negative impact long term. I’ve tried to do some research and it suggests that the recommendation is no longer than 2 days interruption and that potentially any disruption of 2 weeks or longer does cause issues. Has anyone been given any advice about this?
Thanks in advance x
Hi
I've had a search around on my trusted websites and can only find 'non compliant' radiotherapy patients. This is when the patient doesn't undertake the full course by 2 or more sessions and that this appears to have a small increased risk factor.
However, try and think of it this way. You have had all your treatment to remove the cancer and it's gone - the radiotherapy is the 'belt and braces'. They will carry on the treatment once you've got over the 14 days so won't actually miss any sessions.
You could request the radiologist's opinion as to whether they recommend any more sessions due to the break ? I'm putting a question mark as I'm not sure if you're in the middle of your treatment or not started it yet. If you've not started it, then a delay is no issue, but I'm thinking with the wording of your question that it's interrupting the radiotherapy that already started.
I had 15 sessions back in 2017 and the machine broke on me a few times so I was called and told not to come in and they tagged it on the end. One week I only had 3 sessions and obviously there's the weekend break - not 14 days, I appreciate. My last 2 mammograms have been ok.
I hope someone with more scientific knowledge can come on this thread and help out. If not, you could try Ask the Expert on radiotherapy for some advice. (couple of days for a response).
Best wishes,
