Hello JaneRu.

Last February I had surgery to remove an invasive grade 2  DCIS . Clear margin, 3 sentinal lymph nodes removed all were clear. My Radiotherapy began 9 weeks later Im in England. I had radiotherapy to whole breast only, not needing it to lymph nodes due to them being clear. Please try not to worry too much about the delay. Im sure your oncologist and surgeon  are satisfied with the time scale. We both are lucky, clear margins, no lymph node involvement. Good Luck. X

Thanks for replying Myleka, I feels like it's too long but as I have clear margins and lymph am hoping it will be ok xx

Hello and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear that you are being treated for breast cancer.

While the NHS do say that radiotherapy after surgery to the breast should generally start in 4-6 weeks there have been changes in how and when cancer treatment is given during the pandemic. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued rapid guidelines for cancer specialists at the start of the pandemic. How radiotherapy (given after breast conserving surgery ) should be given was changed.  Specialist breast radiotherapy doctors took onboard the results of two large clinical trials that showed that changing how many fractions (individual dose of radiotherapy ) can be given is safe and just as effective as giving more fractions over a longer period of time. They also think that doing this could also lesson the impact on starting radiotherapy later in patients with no lymph node spread. 

I am not sure if you can get your treatment starting any earlier if you push. You could try asking the hospital's Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) to look in to your situation for you.  But do talk with your breast care team in particular your breast care nurse who can explain more about this situation and hopefully give you some reassurances.

I hope this has helped. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline

Hi Jane,

I am sorry to meet you here in these Circumstances, I hope you don't mind me asking you but I have the Same as you although I am a grade 3, did you have an Oncotype Dx score done. I am waiting for my results and it is scaring me to death. 
 

I have had A lumpectomy. Clear Magin, lymph node clear,   Stage 1 as is 19mm oestrogen Fed HEr2-. 

I hope your doing okay in your Journey 
thanks Again xx 

Hi Snow drop,

No, I haven't had an oncotype test but think that may be because of the grade which was 2. As if we didn't have enough to worry about, there's more waiting. I'm starting radiotherapy on Monday which I've done through private health insurance. I'm pleased to get it done before Christmas. I hope your score means your treatment is more straightforward. I'm not even gonna say try not to worry but am sure it'll be good news. When will you hear? 

Jane xx

Thank you Jane,

I am 38 with  2 young  sons, so my anxiety is through the roof, I am not concerned about the Chemo as they have said that is likely from the Start due to the Grade. 
I have had my lump removed but I just am really struggling with the prospect that it may return if not in my breast but somewhere else in my body. I am sorry too seem ungrateful I am so pleased it's been removed but now I'm just scared of it's return and this test doesn't help 

8th December is my appointment xx

l
 

thanks Sarah 

Hi Snowdrop,

I understand how you're feeling. This is so scary!

I think your age and grade are why theyve done the oncotype but this is so they can determine the best treatment for you and managing things going forward. You'll be monitored very closely and facts are, most women live long and happy lives after having breast cancer. The waiting, I know, doesn't help our anxious minds. 

Wishing you all the best for the 8th. I'll be thinking of you. 

Jane xx