Radiotherapy Machines for people classed as obese?

My was diagnosed with Breast cancer, and her surgeon advised tgat she would require radiotherapy once her wound is healed after her lumpectomy. Sitting directly in front of the surgeon, and he can clearly see she is on the larger side with her weight, he said we have larger machines so don't worry and you should be proud of your weight.  (which I  found rather strange him saying that). Even at the pre op assessment, the nurses who saw my mum in person, again confirmed she would get radiotherapy and there was a larger machine to be used for her.  She has now come round after her lumpectomy yesterday, to now be told she won't be getting Radiotherapy treatment as they don't gave a machine that will take her size and weight?? Out of the 25 radiotherapy linear accelerator machines in Scotland, that not one of these can support larger people getting this treatment? Does this mean that larger people are not entitled to life saving treatment? Can someone please advise if there are radiotherapy machines out there (in Scotland or England) that support larger people getting Radiotherapy?? 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the situation you find yourselves in and the worry it must be.

    I'm afraid I don't think there is going to be anyone on here who can tell you where she might be able to go to have her radiotherapy. The nurses don't have access to this type of information about hospitals or where certain treatments or equipment are available and having had a search myself online I can't find anything of interest.

    I suggest maybe you contact the specialist team and discuss your concerns with them and hopefully understand more the reasons for this decision. I am sure this isn't the first time they will have come across this issue and this won't be the last and there must be some way around this.

    I have to say it may not be the radiotherapy machine itself but the weight limit of the table that may be the issue. However I am sure the team involved in her care are wanting the best for her and will explore if there is somewhere else she could go to have the radiotherapy safely and effectively, so do talk this through with them.

    Please get back if you need to or if you prefer to talk things through over the phone our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here Monday-Friday 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi