Waiting to see the oncologist

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I was diagnosed as having stage 2 invasive ductal cancer that was er positive in March this year. I had a lumpectomy and 8 lymph nodes removed. Whilst I have recovered and healed well. I am waiting to see the oncologist on Friday to see how much radiotherapy I will have and eat oestrogen blocking medication I will need and for now long. I went through the menopause at 38 and took HRT until I was 50 (I am 59 now) I am really anxious. I don't want more medication. I know its beneficial to me but I dont like the side effects like weight gain. I have poor body image and already overweight. My question is how long is it roughly between seeing consultant and starting radiotherapy? Is it done in a block or Is it spaced out? I am told it will last anything between 1 and 3 weeks. I am still feeling like an emotional wreck. My head is all over the place and and struggling with sleep and other things. I also have a mild chest infection and concerned this will effect the next part of my treatment. Can anyone give me any tips or reassurance?

Thanks

Exraygirl over 3 years ago

At your oncologist appt they will tell you what treatment to expect next and how many treatments will be having. They will run through the risks and benefits and obtain your consent to proceed. waiting times vary around the country but you usually have a radiotherapy CT planning scan (which is not a diagnostic scan but is used to determine the position you will have the treatment in and your anatomy) then start treatment approx 2 weeks later.

Treatment is usually given Monday to Friday.

Re oestrogen blocking meds I have been taking letrazole for a year now and haven’t experienced too much weight gain but I do walk a couple of hours a day with my dogs. The main side effect for me was hot flushes and I have found that acupuncture helped with that.

I think you will be over your chest infection by the time you get your RT planning appointment.

good luck

Devon over 3 years ago in reply to Exraygirl

Thank you for replying and some reassurance. I was anxious about start of Radiotherapy and it clashing with my brother visiting from Portugal thankfully it looks like treatment will start after he has returned. This might seem daft but my family is only 4 people so if I dont see him this visit it will be another 6 months.

Exraygirl over 3 years ago in reply to Devon

I was asked if there were any dates I couldn’t do so tell your oncologist you want to avoid your brother’s visit and they will accommodate you if they can.

best wishes

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