Hi I’ve had chemo, surgery 3 weeks ago and now seeing consultant tomorrow re radiotherapy and TDM1. How do they decide what duration of radiotherapy you get ie Monday to Friday for 3 weeks or the more intense 5 in one week?
I think this will just be down to what your local area is doing. It is all the same amount of radiation by the end as the shorter timetable has higher radiation per session.
I was told they had been trialing the condensed sessions for years and then covid forced the decision to just go with it as it was less time in hospitals. Some people find it difficult to go every day for weeks, especially if they live far away from a centre or have to get public transport.
I had 5 days whole breast and 5 days boost to the problem area, so the reduced one, and I didn't suffer much from tiredness. I was working full time so made some hints that I'd rather get the more intense one!
Hello, I had 5 sessions intensive and then 5 sessions boost. They deliver the same dose over a shorter period. I believe the results are comparable. Think about journey time and time needed off work for the appointments. Good luck
I was told it was dependent on the size of your cancer. The Consultant Radiologist you have been referred to seems to make that decision. I was borderline on the size and advised to have a boost to the tumour bed, which meant if I had that I got 15 days, and if I didn't choose that I got 5 days. How we are supposed to choose ourselves I really don't know, so I asked the Consultant what she suggested and she wanted me to have the 15 days inc boost so that's what I'm currently doing. Day 3 today ! Doing OK after feeling a bit nervous at first.
I asked at my radiotherapy planning meeting how they decide. It seems 15 is the set standard minimum. she did tell me about the 5 day protocol as well but as at the end of the day, its the same amount of radiation, they deemed it kinder to skin to do it in 15 sessions rather than 5. And its something they go with at The Christie. I'm not sure though - I think I'd rather get it over in 5. Hopefully, I'll be more like Venicelagoon once I get the first one done, it will be better x
Thanks for your replies. Consultation yesterday and she told me that because node clear , I need 1 week radio to whole breast then 1 week to area where tumour was removed. Surgeon had put small clips where radio has to get the booster dose, so, 2 weeks in total
Whilst I was in the car park and too early for my appt, I had another look at my letter which I found in the car. That explained more than I'd remembered this morning and said something about what the practice is for the hospital you go to. There are risk factors and if you satisfy more than 2 then you qualify for more radiotherapy. Being over 60 is something they consider, the size and the grade of the cancer. I was borderline but they decided to tip the balance as far as treatment was concerned, in my favour. Bet it all comes down to cost. Like Tired Minion says, it is quite cold in the room, (seem to be waves of air con or something) so I have a strange little capey/cardigan thing with velcro on they give me which keeps me a bit warmer and gives some coverage to parts they're not interested in zapping.
I had surgery first then chemo and I have a telephone appt tomorrow about radio therapy but it appears there is no choice as the area I'm in they do the intense therapy over 5 days instead of over 3 weeks and I have been told its a 15 minute session per day. Will find out more tomorrow little bit worried about the intensity and what damage could be done to the tissue and side effects. Good luck with your treatment
