Hi there

Great to read that your treatment is going well.

I don't know which part of the country you are in, but ask your Oncologist about the latest research into the duration of radiotherapy treatment.

I've just finished the radiotherapy for my second lot of breast cancer. Last time, I had 15 treatments over 3 weeks, but this time, they reduced it to 5 treatments over a week, which was brilliant!

I've tried to find information on the internet to share with you, but struggling to find anything useful. However, my Oncologist explained that the reduction is a result of a 10 year study, which was due to be implemented in the future, but in my area, Hampsire/West Sussex, they brought the reduced treatment forward because of Covid-19.

I believe that you get a stronger dose in each session, and that the side effects are mostly the same, but it was certainly a relief not to have to travel for treatment for 3 weeks!

I wish you all the best, and good luck with the puppy!

Hi there,

Did you breast cancer return a second time? I dread that happening after going through all this! My Oncologist did mention the 1 week radiotherapy but said it was not suitable for me to have a more powerful dose. I'll confirm that on my next consultation. It is a nuisance 15 sessions especially as we live 1 hour away from the hospital. I too live in West Sussex. Our local hospital does not have radiotherapy facilities. But I think well it's 3 weeks out of my life, if it gives me more time on the planet then I just have to have it. I'm waiting for the letter now and the prescription for the drug I will be on. I'm hoping it's not one that thins hair, I'm despairing with this fluff on top on my head and want some real stuff to grow!

Thank you for your reply and glad you have completed your second bout!

Silver 

Yes, I am at Portsmouth. The team have been very nice. Oh goodness, I have had masectomy on one side but they have planted a titanium chip in the other breast, benign at the moment, worried it will return there. Did you have chemo as well? I ended up in hospital on my 3rd cycle so we decided to stop chemo. Radiotherapy next, did you have many side effects.?

Thanks

Ann

No chemotherapy thankfully. After the first time, they sent a sample off to the states somewhere, that test to see if chemotherapy would be effective. My results came back that it would only improve my chances of it not returning by about 1%, so not worth the side effects

Oh that was lucky, as chemo is not pleasant. They have given me a less than 5% chance of cancer returning after 3 cycles, so fingers crossed. But radiotherapy and medication may improve those statistics. Are you on medication? I'm waiting to get the prescription, I'm HER2 neg

Silver 

I'm HER positive. Tried Tamoxifen last time and really didn't get on with it, but surgeon insists that I stick with something for at least 5 years, so now on Letrozole. Heyho, only 5 years!

Yes, I've been told to take 5 years of hormone suppressant, not sure which one yet as waiting for script. Have heard the side effects are not too pleasant. My GP was very insistent about having the bisphosphanates for bones, as medication can make bones fragile. I'm also taking Adcel -vitamin K and calcium .

Silver