Radiotherapy window?

Hi Thirds, I think radiotherapy can be of different strengths, but I'm sure you have been offered the most effective amount and frequency. I had 3 weeks of radio and the psychological difficulties were worse than physical. It's nothing like chemo. It will likely make you tired and cause some pain and discomfort around your breast. Good luck.

Hello Thirds I was diagnosed with a triple negative grade 3 invasive cancer. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and have completed 10 sessions of radiotherapy, one session each day for 10 days. I was told the sessions used to be over a longer period of time but are now condensed and therefore a stronger dose and slightly longer exposure. My sessions took place about 6 weeks after my chemo stopped 5 months after my operation.. I had no problems at all, my breast was a little red and there was some mild soreness. Compared to chemo this treatment was a breeze. My friend was offered 5 sessions over 5 days, again no problems encountered. I wish you well with your recovery there is a lot of support out there if you need it . I find the Macmillian Community is a great place to ask questions because you know you are talking to people who understand what you are going through, we are all coping with the shock of being diagnosed with Cancer, dealing with the treatment which can be horrendous at times and are all determined to get well. A tip there is often lengthy delays waiting for the radiotherapy machines so take a book to read or something to do, depending on the time of your appointment its also worth bringing something to eat and drink with you. A lot of the hospitals can arranged transport if you don't drive or have anyone to take you in if you live far from your local Hospital . My Hospital was about 25 miles away with difficult public transport links so the Hospital arranged transport to take me to and from my home every day for the treatment which was great. Other hospitals have rooms available for you to stay, again, if transport/distance is a problem. I hope that helps good luck xx

Hi 

re 5 treatments v 15 treatments 

The dose for 5 treatments is 26gy

The dose for 15 treatments is 40.05gy

So for 5 treatments you get more dose each day but a lower overall dose but the biological effect on the body is the same for each.

I used to be a radiotherapy radiographer but I also had 5 treatments in August 2021. I got a slightly pink breast and felt a bit tired but that was it.

Ideally RT should start within 12, weeks of surgery if you aren’t having chemo. I’m not sure re the window from chemo but I don’t think a 2 week delay should cause you to worry as you have already had two forms  of treatment and the radiotherapy is your insurance policy 

Best wishes

Thank you 50inCambridge.  I really want it to be finished now so that I can enjoy life as much as possible.  Thank you for your reply which is appreciated.

Thank you BronteMaggs for your very helpful reply.  I was especially interested in the transport information as it would take me an hour and a half each way on the bus.  I could drive but I do not know where it is and I may feel very tired afterwards.  I find that I tire quite easily since the docetaxel and I have lost strength after over three weeks in hospital. I found your post very reassuring because I have lost confidence since I had the bad reaction and was feeling apprehensive about the radiotherapy.  I really appreciate your help.  Hope you will continue to feel better each day.  Thank you for your good wishes.

Thank you so much for your reply Exraygirl.  I feel that I now have the information that I need for what is coming my way.  My last chemo with the doxetaxel was on 25th November.  I then had over three weeks in hospital as I had such a severe reaction and the oncologist decided that I should not have anymore chemotherapy.  Your description of your experience is very reassuring.  After the last chemo and the reaction I have become more nervous about treatment, so you have really helped me.  I am most grateful.  I hope that you will feel better with each passing day. 

Best wishes

Hello Thirds  You are very welcome, yes definitely ask about transport as staff don't really want patients to drive after the radiotherapy sessions and having transport arranged really does take away the stress of trying to get to a Hospital that you are not familiar with especially when its so far away. I too had a really bad time with chemo I actually stopped the treatment because I was so unwell and unable to cope with the side effects living on my own with no family nearby. we are all getting there, keep going :) xx

Sorry to hear that you also had a rough time with the chemo.  I managed 4/6 sessions, but the docetaxel was a step too far.  I had decided after my time in hospital not to have anymore and was anticipating the oncologist opposing my decision. She was the one who said that I should not have further chemotherapy as the docetaxel was clearly very toxic for me.  I am also on my own but have two dogs so it was a stressful time for me.  I really appreciate your help.  Yes hopefully we are all on the road to recovery and for many the worst is over. Thank you for your good wishes.  Take care.  Sending you a virtual hug () x

Hi Exraygirl 

last October I had 5 doses then 5 booster to surgical bed. Can you perhaps explain what I got ? I’m sure they told me but have forgotten. I had chemo first then surgery then RT. I’m now on kadcyla as residual cells after surgery, chemo was 95% effective x

Hi

Did they slot a a long square cone to the machine? If they did then your first 5 treatments would have been X-ray treatment to the breast. The second 5 would be an electron boost to the tumour bed. Electrons give a very localised treatment and only treat to a certain depth and then lose their energy so they are ideal for giving extra dose to the tumour bed.

Is that what you are asking?

Did they send you a letter with your treatment summary on it ?

if you have it I can explain it to you

x