hi Susu & Vatch, when I had my original meeting with the surgeon, he said ithe radiotherapy would be 15 sessions over 3 weeks, then when I had my meeting with the oncologist he said that the studies he and his fellow oncologists opinion (from studies) was that 25 lower dose sessions over 5 weeks was the way to go. Then when I met with the radiotherapy team, they said my treatment would be 15 sessions over 3 weeks, I questioned this quoting what the oncologist had recommended and the response was that a 3 week course allowed them to fit in more patients and prevent backlogs!! I eventually got them to contact my oncologist for conformation, who again stated 25 sessions over 5 weeks.
What I have read about in studies is that there is no difference in outcome whether your treatment is either 3 or 5 weeks, but I think that getting a lesser dose over a longer time should be better for the body, rather than getting more over a shorter period but cant find any studies which states what is better for the patient! anybody else have an opinion on this?
Thank you so much for that, it is a great help and I have added this to my ever increasing list of questions for Monday...
All the various leaflets I have been given state 15 over 3 weeks but obviously do not mention that this is a time saving exercise. My surgeon also quoted this timeframe but, like you, I want to have whatever treament works best for me, rather than the radiologists!
I was told the standard radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer was 15 sessions over 3 weeks. I actually had the 3 weeks and one week booster. I was told the booster gave my particular cancer additional security to prevent reocurrance. I am also on the Fast Forward radiotherapy trial, they are testing giving one week intence raditiotherapy against the standard 3 weeks. I was chosen to have the standard 3 weeks.
Thank you for such a speedy reply, it really is so helpful to hear experiences first hand.
The leaflets are all very good at general information but knowing how individual people deal with all this helps so much more.
I will certainly ask about the booster sessions and see if they apply in my case.
I had two different types of cancer (one in each side) so had a "Buy One, Get One Free" deal going on and I don't know if that will make any difference to how they will plan the treatment. Guess I will find out shortly but, as I said, it is great to get real help from all the lovely people here.
Hi. I have had the same op and will be starting radiotherapy in a couple of weeks. I would love to compare notes once we start . All the best and let's hope neither of us have too many side effects. xx
I would love to compare notes with you as we seem to be in the same boat on this, although I have a feeling that you may be several weeks ahead of me, treatment wise.
My initial oncology appointment is not until tomorrow and then I'm guessing I have to wait a couple for weeks for the planning session and then another two to actually start the treatment. Why does everything always take at least two weeks?!
Anyway, hoping to find out a bit more on the timings tomorrow...
Fingers crossed for both of us and please do keep in touch.
Susu you appear to be getting some good advice on hee so long may it continue
I had 30 sessions of tomo radiotherapy, and organised my session for around 5-5;30 every day .. looking back I am glad i did this as although there were two of these highly specialised machines at Addenbrookes they have a habbit of reaking down. It did not happen all the time, sometime i was in and out withing 45 minutes, my sessions took 20 mins (10 for the planning scanss then 10 for the treatment) roughly.
So just be prepared that sometimes the timings do not got to plan, the worst wait i had was 3 hours, but the radio therapy godesses stayed late until every one was d]seen that day ... they are truely wonderful people
I'm only about a week ahead of you as my initial oncology appointment was last week. I have another one tomorrow for preparing me for the radiotherapy which I think will start in a couple of weeks. I have chosen to go on a trial where you either get 3 weeks or 4 and a 1/2 weeks. The trial is called IMPORT HIGH. I decided to do the trial as if it wasn't for previous trials I wouldn't be where I am now. I will certainly keep up to date with you and I hioe all goes well xxx
Thanks very much for that, I had been thinking about trials too so to hear that you have chosen to do so is very reassuring. I agree that any help we can be for future sufferers is all good and, on a much more selfish note, it also means that we ourselves are more closely monitored so it's a win win situation as far as I can see.
Will update you after my apointment this afternoon but good luck with your planning tomorrow in the meantime.
