30 or 35 fractions of radiotherapy?

Hi I had 35 sessions mine was always 35 the oncologist would have instructed the radiotherapy wizards the breakdown of grays so I knew I had to have the full quota   I had cling film put round neck  j for treatment and a polymem bandage for home and bed. My neck soon healed once treatment finished. Maybe ask oncology? The last week is hard but was worth it. I had lymph node involvement as well 
Hazel 

Thank you Hazel, that's really helpful 

Birdwoman said:

We are wondering if that extra 5 fractions is worth the extra suffering? Is there any evidence of the difference?

Definitely makes a difference. There are NICE guidelines. If you are stage 3 with a few nodes involved you get the 35. 

That's interesting. Our hospital say 30 as standard, only 35 due to this trial he's involved with. Thank you. 

Good evening Birdwoman, he has come this far so it would be better if he finished the course, we all know how difficult and uncomfortable the treatment can be especially towards the end. As it's a trial maybe they rely on people finishing the course but your husband's welfare is the most important issue and he can stop at any time if it gets too much. I'm sure its a lot better now he has an NG tube fitted as it will take the pressure off his eating. All the best for the rest of his treatment, take care.

                                                                             Chris x

Mine was a course of 30 fractions.

Birdwoman said:

That's interesting. Our hospital say 30 as standard, only 35 due to this trial he's involved with. Thank you. 

Yes, I'm sure it depends on other criteria. You hear some folk who have dissections for nodal spread get 30. Others like Hazel who didn't have surgery but had lots of lymph nodes involved had 35. I had no nodes up at all and got away with 30 and no chemo. 

Thank you everyone for your replies. I can see you have all been through the mill, and great to see you all out the other side. Husband actually feels quite a bit better after 5 Fortisips down the tube yesterday and a good night's sleep. We spoke to the team this morning and he is going to plod on to week 7. Hopefully skin won't  break down, but if it does we have a plan. 

Hi if it does it’s not the end of the world. My oncologist knew at start mine would  as Larry the big lymph node was very  close to surface. It didn’t stop me flying ti Spain 8 weeks after treatment just worse a buff silk or scarf. . We all need to use factor 50 suncream on our neck I use it as a matter if course daily summer and winter. Factor 50 everywhere for first year now I’m factor 30 everywhere else apart from neck. 
Glad he had a decent night the n g tube was my lifesaver. 
hugs Hazel 

We’re all rooting for him. Hugs from all of us.