Radiotherapy

Hi 49F diagnosed with breast cancer on 21 Dec, I have grade 1 and im booked in to have a lumpectomy on 3rd Jan with 3 weeks radiotherapy after. 

When would Radiotherapy start? Would it be the few days after the op or could it be a few weeks. I wasnt sure if there is a recovery period after the op or if you wait a while for a appointment. 

Thankyou for your time 

  • Hi,

    So sorry you are going through this . I finished my treatment in November for Stage 1 BC. I had a lumpectomy in September , and started radiotherapy in November . Radiation will be done about 6 weeks after surgery as your breast needs to be healed. My tumour was also a grade 1 and I only actually needed 5 days of radiation. But you will know more after surgery . Hope this helps , good luck xxx

  • Hu Caz, 

    Thankyou for the reply. 

    Yeah for some reason in my head I was thinking my RT would start straight away. It totally makes sense to heal first. 

    I think I am trying to get myself on a timeline to deal with it all. X

  • Hello Shanie and thanks for your post

    I see that you've been given some good advice by Caz1981. You generally start radiotherapy about 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. Sometimes it may be delayed if you need to wait for your wound to heal or if you develop a seroma (a collection of fluid that sometimes forms under a wound after an operation).

    Your specialist or breast care nurse will explain when you will start radiotherapy.

    I hope this helps. Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene