5 day radiotherapy

Hi Gazeebo,  my 5 were Wed, Thursday, Friday and then the following Monday and Tuesday. So just 2 days but no issues and I guess gives you and the team time to see how you are getting on with the sessions. Re the timing of the last two, give them a call to see if there is a chance of changing the times - they can only say no but I’m sure they would try and change if they can.  Good luck with it all xx

Thanks Moco, I think I may phone and ask if there are any cancellations for earlier times, I'm available. As you say, they can only say no. I hope you're getting on well following your treatment.

Hi Gazeebo, good that you have dates to aim for, I found the waiting ‘in limbo’ stages the worst. I’m tagging the lovely Exraygirl as I’m sure she’ll reassure you re the gap. My understanding is that it’s all about the total dose rather than exactly when it’s delivered. I had the 3 weeks as it was nearly 3 years ago. Otherwise you are on the same treatment plan as me. I’d agree that it’s worth phoning re timings. The oncology nurse who booked mine requested that I had appointments after 11am as it was going to be a long drive and she wanted to help me avoid rush hour. I think they try their best to accommodate requests, definitely worth asking. 
Good luck with it all, once you’ve started it’ll fly by. Xx

My unit also considerate on times.  I had 15 sessions as was norm but lived less than 5 minutes drive.  I had very early morning appointments to allow those that had to travel further to come later in the day.  They even offered accommodation for ladies who had a distance to travel.  I believe it was a small ward of 4 -6.  Not much privacy but they appreciated the lack of travelling and Maggie's organised things for them.  

Hi there 

I had the same fractionation myself as I had a 3 day gap over the August bank holiday.

Gaps sometimes happen over machine services breakdowns etc with no adverse effects as your radiotherapy isn’t your first line of treatment if you have already had surgery.

Extended gaps of a week or more would need the physics team to recalculate the dose but this isn’t necessary in your case.

If you are really worried about the afternoon appointments give them a ring and explain and ask if you can be moved earlier in the day if there are any cancellations.

when I was working as a radiographer  we would try and accommodate requests where possible but that was pre covid and the associated staff shortages but definitely ring sooner rather than later.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

My radiotherapy was in August, sessions Wednesday-Friday, had a weekend break then rest of sessions following week on Monday & Tuesday.

Hello and thanks Exraygirl,  I have phoned and they told me to speak to the treatment admin on my first visit. I'll let them know I can do cancellations as I don't want to sound ungrateful. 

Good luck with your treatment and Merry Christmas x

That has put my mind at rest. I start my 5 day radiotherapy on 14th January  which is a Friday, break for 2 days over the week end and then Mon-Thursday the following week. y appointment are mainly early evening...18:30!

Thanks Exraygirl, 3 days is nothing unusual it seems. You have a Merry Christmas! X