Radiotherapy

Hi Madj, I know it can be very worrying having to wait for further treatment. I had a mastectomy on 23rd November last year but had to wait 3 months before starting my Chemotherapy. I got very anxious and worried about what was happening inside me while I was waiting but was reassured by my breast care nurse that by having the Mastectomy the cancer had been removed and the chemotherapy and radiotherapy was about mopping up stray cells and preventing it coming back. I know it doesn’t stop you worrying but I would contact your oncology department to see if there’s someone else you can see or at least to tell them of your concerns. Hope you get your treatment sorted soon.

Take Care

Janine x

Hi neeni29, i have spoken to my oncologists secretary he is off sick and they are in the process of putting me with another oncologist but cant give me any idea of how long i have to wait she has asked me to ring her again next week to see if she can give me any news thank you for replying and i hope your doing well . Madj

Hello madj, I know exactly how you feel, I’m in the same position, well actually I will be 12.5 weeks post surgery when my radiotherapy starts. It’s such an anxious time. To answer your question my BCN recommended treatment should start within 3-4 months of surgery but there’s little evidence on this. I read somewhere 120 days is the time when benefits of radiotherapy can be reduced. However a lot of reports suggest 4-8 weeks but that is just the average time I think. the Nice report sent to me by the Macmillan nurses does not give any  recommended time. You can find the response from them under the ask the experts tab, or I can send you a copy if you like.

The main thing is that surgery has got all the cancer out and the radiotherapy will just take care of any remaining cells. It might be worth asking if you should start your blockers now. My oncologist started me on these at the planning meeting last week with a view to start radiotherapy on 19/4. (12.5weeks post surgery). I spoke to my BCN who was also very reassuring. 

I hope you get seen soon and get a date booked in.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/ask_a_nurse/f/ask_a_nurse/214163/12-week-wait-post-surgery

Here is the link to the response from the nurse with attached reports. Hope it is of some use.