Hypofractionated radiation

Teach76
Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello all,

    A month ago I met for 3 hours with a great RO.  She explained that I should receive the standard series of RADS - 25 + 5 boosts.  After 4 more weeks of waiting to heal after surgery (9 weeks post op), I asked for another appointment to see if I could get things going.  To my surprise I was told that she was going to retire in June so I would have to see another doctor.

     I met with the new doc today who suggested the shorter series - about 21 rounds.  He said it would depend on the measurements they take at the CT scan.   Now I am a little flustered - any advice?  

     I would never have thought that treatment would still be continuing.  It has been quite a year.  I wish patients were told from the beginning to count on at least a year.  I was diagnosed in June and now radiation will not even begin until this June.  I  made vacation plans for August, and I only hope I can fulfill that family promise.

 

    Thanks for listening!

       Kathy

 

Comments

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    edited May 2016 #2
    I had the shorter version

    I think it is the same as is being recommended for you.  It was referred to as the Canadian study I think.  Anyway, it was 5+ years ago for me and was 16 days plus 5 days of a boost to the tumor area.  I believe it was the same gy as the longer version but it was just over a shorter period.   I have no idea whether the total dose was the same or if the daily dose was the same, so the total was less.  I don't have a clue what the criteria was used for determining which protocol to use, but I had Stage 1b, grade 2 ER+ breast cancer.  I did have chemo because of a high oncotype score, but I have no idea it that factored in or not, but I would imagine that it did.   I was too stupid to ask any questions, just figured 21 days was better than the longer version and the radiologic oncologist said the results have been the same.  Now I'm thinking that the recommendation probably has a lot to do with early stage and low grade, but who knows?  Just ask questions.

    Suzanne

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 354 Member
    #3
    Double Whammy said:

    I had the shorter version

    I think it is the same as is being recommended for you.  It was referred to as the Canadian study I think.  Anyway, it was 5+ years ago for me and was 16 days plus 5 days of a boost to the tumor area.  I believe it was the same gy as the longer version but it was just over a shorter period.   I have no idea whether the total dose was the same or if the daily dose was the same, so the total was less.  I don't have a clue what the criteria was used for determining which protocol to use, but I had Stage 1b, grade 2 ER+ breast cancer.  I did have chemo because of a high oncotype score, but I have no idea it that factored in or not, but I would imagine that it did.   I was too stupid to ask any questions, just figured 21 days was better than the longer version and the radiologic oncologist said the results have been the same.  Now I'm thinking that the recommendation probably has a lot to do with early stage and low grade, but who knows?  Just ask questions.

    Suzanne

    Thank you, Suzanne.  I was

    Thank you, Suzanne.  I was IIa and grade 3 with tentacles moving toward the chest wall before my chemo and surgery.  RO said it will depend on the measurements shown during the CT scan scheduled for May 31st.  As usual, wait, wait, wait.  I am hoping that the tissue will be healed enough for the scan to happen.  For some reason, my body seems to be slow in healing.  My surgery was March 3rd, and 2 months later I am still waiting to move forward.

    The RO originally said to come back in 3 weeks then be evaluated, set the CT in June and begin RAD in July.  I hope I am not rushing things, but I am ready to be finished with treatment and get back to teaching in Sept with at least a little vacation time before.

    hoping I am not being selfish or pushy!

     

    Kathy

     

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    edited May 2016 #4
    Maybe you should be MORE pushy!

    With the medical profession, that is.  You do have a life and you do want to move forward.  Won't hurt to call and tell them of your plans and your personal and emotional need to begin radiation asap.  The good news, I guess, tho, is if this was urgent, they would be acting urgently (or at least I hope so).  Sounds like the chemo did its job, the surgeon did his/her job, and radiation is to mop up anything not visible, and no hurry????  Ok maybe not physically, but you are a whole person who has emotions and a life to lead and you need to get on with it.  Another thought is if you see your medical oncologist before your radiation appointment.  If so, solicit that help in getting in earlier.

     

    Suzanne 

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