How much time between chemo and radiation?

jakeca said:

3 weeks
My personal experience was three weeks from the last infusion to the first rad treatment.

The recommendation from the
The recommendation from the radiologist to start rads was three weeks from the date of the last chemo infusion. I actually started four days later, because I choose to start on a Monday so I could keep up with the schedule (chemo brain). I had 40 treatments of rads, and actually took my last treatment on a Monday because the hospital equipment broke down one of my scheduled days, therefore delaying me over a weekend to take my final rad. I was on TAC, just like Moopy, and was very tired after my last chemo infusion. However, I didn't want to delay rads, and stayed on schedule. I think this sounds normal to me, as lots of the posters here were scheduled the same as I was. I know she is looking forward to her last chemo...and I am in her corner waiting to hear it is over. The radiation treatments are not nearly as hard as chemo. The last week is a more concentrated rad, specifically on the tumor area, and not the entire breast. It makes you tired, but certainly not exhausted. We all will be keeping up with her schedule. Good luck. Hugs to you both, you are such a grand couple.

Judy

Moopy23 said:

Thanks both of you
Thanks for the information! And Judy, thanks for your helpful details of what I can expect. As always, your encouragement and support means so much!

Moopy

Good luck!
Good luck Moopy...I know you will get through it all fine.
On the news this morning 2 hospitals in Baltimore are starting a new radiation program that only lasts 5 days!

Radiation began 3 weeks
Radiation began 3 weeks after chemo and I had 25 treatments. This will be so much easier on Moopy than chemo. My fatigue continued and there was a moderate burn that started during week #3. Aquaphor healing ointment was recommended by the Radiologist at the time the redness began and the burn was greatly healed one week after treatment ended. On the subject of being triple negative, Docs refer to me as NEARLY triple negative. I'm only 5% ER positive and taking hormone therapy to get whatever benefit possible to reduce the risk of recurrence. I'm glad my Onc. reviewed this part of my treatment again and recommended additional therapy. Good luck!

mgm42 said:

My Schedule...
I had my last chemo on April 19, 2008 and was scheduled to start 33 radiation treatments on May 7th. However, I had to postpone until May 12th because my dad passed away on May 3rd. I agree with you that the sooner the better but I believe it's important to give your body a few weeks off, too. Hope this helps. Good luck. Marilynn

Hey Guys!
Hi you two! I had a 3 week break then 33 rads. Rads are a breeze next to chemo and my hair started growing back and the technicians were a pleasure to be around every day..it soon passes. Keep your Pecker up Moopster!!!!!!! HUGE HUGS to both of you turquoise warriors! Jxxxxxxxx

RADS
Hello you two, always nice to see your smiling faces! It was three weeks for me as well, I did get pretty tired and a tad burned. Moopy be sure to avoid direct sunlight use strong suntan lotion as you will be far more apt to get sunburned, ie: neck and shoulder area's. It really isn't all that bad, just time consuming and you have to lay real still which for me is near impossible! Keep us posted on your progress!

HUGS,

RE

I think the "norm" is 3
I think the "norm" is 3 weeks after chemo that you start radiation treatments. But, they also want to be sure that your incision/incisions have healed before they start it. So, that is probably the only thing that would delay it. Good luck to you! I am in radiation now...a little pink and itchy, but, surviving so far.

Mikes Sunshine said:

Rads
Hi Moopey and Joe, I am heading to the Onc. tomorrow. I have the same question on the top of my list. I am getting my last chem on Friday. So I am anxious to find out when they will start rads also. I will let you know what they say but, It seems that everyones is saying the same thing here on the board, about three weeks. Take Care, Nancy

Hi Nancy
Wow last Chemo on Fri. I am so happy for you. my last will be on the 24th of this mo. Then i will also be doing rads. My Onc. did tell me about 3 weeks or maybe sooner. I am anxious to get this part done also. I will still have herceptin infusions every 3 weeks for a year and then the tamoxofin for 5 years. Are you doing this too?

I will be thinking of you on Fri. and wishing you all the luck in the world always!

Love
jackie

rads
Joe, I have mine scheduled to start on May 4th -- about 4 weeks after my last chemo treatment. The extra week is to give me a break between treatments.

chenheart said:

I dunno!!!!!!
I have something sooo amazing to report about the time between chemo to radiation~ I DON'T REMEMBER!!!! This is a good thing: it is not an age related, residual chemo, denial state of mind, I promise! It just is part of what happened then, and honestly I can't recall! I could have sworn it was 6 weeks! I recall it being six weeks from surgery to chemotherapy, but I have a touchpoint for that. My chemo started on May 5,2003. That is a Big Holiday, celebrated with gusto here in California~ Cinquo de Mayo in Spanish for those of you keeping score. As my surgery was the 20th of March, well, as they say, You do the math!
I have been reading all your posts that say a 3 week difference. That has got to be true~ I finished all treatment December 11, 2003, and being as I had 33 zapperoonies, it too had to have been a 3 week respite.

How wonderful that every minute, day, hour, poke, prod isn't burned forever into our sometimes fragile psyches. Sometimes obviously, forgetting is a positive!!!!!

Hugs,
Claudia

I'm right behind you
I'm right behind you Claudia. I was diagnosed Aug. 2003. The only reason I know these dates are because I wrote them down. Last chemo was April 8 2004 and started radiation May 6 2004.