Radiation

cindycflynn said:

Cindy Ann
I had chemo after my lumpectomy, so the radiation didn't start until after that for me, but if I hadn't had the chemo, the radiation would have started about a month after surgery.

I was diagnosed on September 2, 2009, my surgery was on October 14th, I started chemo on December 16th and finished chemo February 17th, and started radiation on March 17th. When I was first diagnosed I was expecting everything to move along much more quickly than that, but as I learned more, I relaxed a bit and realized that the doctors know what they're doing (almost all of the time).

Between all of the dates there were usually tests and appointments, but I remember feeling that everything was just taking and excruciatingly long time to progress. Once you're diagnosed, you just want to get your plan in place and get started on your treatment so that you can put this all behind you. Unfortunately, it usually takes longer than we'd like to get it done, but other that our frustration, there really isn't a medical downside to waiting, unless of course you have a very aggressive form of cancer. From what I've read here, they usually do move things along more quickly in that case.

I think that it is a good idea to heal up from your surgery before starting the rads. Your skin will be very sensitive with the rads, and you don't want to create any open sores you don't have to.

Be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor so that they can reassure you about the time frames.

You might also ask about the Oncotype DX if your doctor hasn't already discussed it with you. It can give you more information about whether chemo would actually benefit you. I was diagnosed at Stage 1 with clear lymph nodes, but ended up doing chemo based on my score on the Oncotype DX.

Take care,
Cindy

aisling8 said:

Month
Hi there,

Starting rads was the ONLY thing that didn't take forever... It would have begun earlier, but we waited for the results of the OncotypeDx test to decide if I was going to have chemo or not.

I chose a late afternoon appointment so I work till 3:00 then go off to rads. It's not so bad. I'm kinda getting red and it's tiring, but I haven't slept so well at night in years. And since the rads onc said no Arimidex till I'm done, it's a legitimate reason to postpone beginning:)

Good Luck,
Victoria

ckmcclelland said:

my radiation started
My radiation started not quite 4 weeks after my lumpectomy. Would have been better to wait a little longer for my healing but they didn't. Things that I wondered about but didn't know until they started, they scheduled me at the same time every day, you strip to your waist and are given a gown & have to lay flat on your back, wish I'd known I would have to stretch my arm above my head ahead of time because I have shoulder trouble and needed to stretch muscles ahead of time but no one told me. I had 33 treatments which doesn't sound like much but it gets long & dominates your day. I got tired & burned. I got depressed & didn't know it, especially since my oncologist took me off my antidepressant. I had my last radiation treatment over 2 months ago and still can't wear a bra or use a seat belt comfortably. It was more than I expected partly because no one told me what to expect. I thought it was a breeze compared to chemo which I was spared, but it was harder than I thought. Of course, everyone reacts differently. Be sure to use Aquaphor or whatever under your arm as that is part of the treatment area. I didn't know that and no one told me. That's where my worst burning was. You'll make it through OK. If the oncologist tells you to take tamoxifen afterwards, I think you should. You don't want to risk breast cancer returning though tamoxifen is no picnic either with the hot flashes.

Cindy Ann said:

Radiation
Thank each and everyone of you for your replies. For me knowledge is power. I feel better about radiation now. I also know more what to expect. You all are my angels. It really has helped me so much just having other women who understand my questions and fears...I now realize not all of us react physcially the same to radiation. So I am now prepared for anything.

LOve and Hugs, Cindy Ann

GrandmaJ said:

My radiation
Started 7 weeks after my chemotherapy / lumpectomy, 33 treatments. I only had slight redenning of the skin and no serious burns. I used aquaphor religiously. I continued to wear a bra the entire time of radiation. I did buy a bra extender so the bra was looser. I did have a little fatigue about three weeks after starting, but continued to work. My surgeon must be pretty good, because I never had arm pain or scar pain and I did have lymph nodes removed.

Judy

sbmly53 said:

My experience was.....
Routine mammo 10/28, biopsy 11/12, lumpectomy 12/7. Onco Dx test was very low & I opted out of chemo. Set up for rads (33) on 1/13 and started 1/19, finished 3/5. Burned pretty good, but was able to wear my regular bra a week and a half later. I would have started rads soone - at about 4 weeks, but chemo was still in question.

We are all different. I also was concerned (terrified, actually) that it could be 'leaking out' and travelling while I was waiting for treatment to start. I just had my 1st mammo and got the all clear. Our fears are not unfounded but if you have undue anxiety, talk to your Drs.

This wonderful place, with all these amzing women (& men) helped me to cope, to breathe easier, to express my angst and made me laugh when I really needed to.

Take care - gentle hugs

Sue