Hi. I was wondering how long people generally wait for radiotherapy after surgery. I’m waiting for radio after full axillary clearance. It’s now 7 weeks post surgery and I’m still waiting for an appt with oncologist to get it underway.
Because my hospital doesn’t have its own radiotherapy department, I’m being referred to another Trust. I thought this was done on 1 May but I discovered on Friday that referral only happened on 17th.
Online websites say that radiotherapy is supposed to be 6-8 weeks after surgery but my BCN told me on Friday (when I was chasing up referral) that they say it should be within 12 weeks. Is this right? Does a longer wait means there’s a higher chance of recurrence?
How long did you wait? Thanks. x
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Hi , I know a few ladies who’ve waited up to 12 weeks . Once you see onco , you get sent for a CT scan to have your markers( tattoos ) and then it’s at least 7 days after that before radio , as that’s the minimum it takes to plan it . Possibly depends on where you live . Keep chasing the BCN .
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I am in Scotland and waited 12 weeks after surgery to start my radiotherapy. I did question it at the time as was initially told by oncologist it would be about 4 weeks but was told that was the current waiting list 
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Hi. Thank for replies. I do now have a telephone appointment with a consultant radiologist tomorrow. Seems that I don’t need a face to face with oncologist. Could be because I’ve already seen oncologist at my current hospital. I’m told that she will run through everything and organise CT planning appointment. So, a step forward …. x
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Hi @countrygirl1,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had a substantial wait for your radiotherapy to begin after your surgery. Recovering from surgery can be difficult enough without the added anxiety of waiting to be told when the next stage will begin! Glad to hear that you’ve got an appointment tomorrow and can feel like the ball will start rolling.
Waiting times can vary on a number of situations so it may be hard for someone to tell you what is ‘optimal’. Best to ask your oncologist tomorrow but also in the meantime you can always speak to one of our nurses on 0808 800 6000.
Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatment experience,
Alice
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Hi. My oncologist told me in an ideal world you would only have to wait 6 weeks but realistically it would be 12. I was lucky and only waited 10 weeks. I went to have my tattoo makers and they told me at that appointment I was booked in for the following week. Good luck with everything
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Hi all
I’m now week 12 post op and I’m waiting for my radiotherapy… Ive been in formerly told it will be another two weeks before I can start RT. I confess this is creating some anxiety about longer term risks of reoccurrence especially as I have a positive anterior margin and require booster doses.
I would like to know if my anxiety is well placed but I don’t get the impression any one is willing to commit at my trust to talk about the subject.
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I had op early March and radio started very end of May. Try not to worry. Mine ended up going back to MDT and we had discussions about the radio as well. It was longer than they had initially said but all good in the end
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I’ve just got my date for radiotherapy and my operation was in November. I’ve waited over 20 weeks. Very unhappy about it but apparently it’s a long waiting list in Leicester
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Everything takes so long. Blame the government! I feel your frustration but your surgery got the cancer out so the radiotherapy is just an extra precaution. I am way past 12 weeks and still not been seen by an oncologist. I may need chemo but by the time I start anything I’ll be 9 months since diagnosis. It’s definitely the hardest part…waiting. Hope it all gets sorted soon for you. X
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I finish Chemo on July 4th and my radiotherapy is booked for 19th of August already. I think it just depends on waiting lists. Hopefully you’ll hear soon! Don’t be afraid to ask your oncologist and push a bit as you may then be discussed at the MDTM and it be decided you’re more urgent. I’d also take solace in the fact that, if they thought it was critical that you have it quickly, you most likely would have gotten it quicker. X
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Thanks for replies. My referral to the other Trust was overlooked/forgotten so it was just as well I chased it up. I know that the NHS is overloaded but it’s always a good idea to check if we haven’t heard anything for a while when we’re waiting for an appointment. My CT planning appointment should be next week but I’m waiting for a call to book in the actual day. I was given a phone number for the department in case I need to chase. I don’t think anyone minds if we’re polite (which I know everyone on here would be). 
X
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I had surgery in September and radiotherapy in January, so 4 months. I was told it should be within 6 months of surgery and like you, was treated at two different trusts. I didn’t need chemotherapy, so that wasn’t the reason for the delay. I had some delayed healing from the surgery because I had a post op infection. This had to heal before the radiotherapy could start and delayed my surgeon referring me to oncology (who arrange the radiotherapy).
I know, it’s so nerve wracking going through the treatments and, especially, waiting for them to happen. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.
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16 weeks for me. Having been told 5.
The dept works 7 days a week but co ers a wide area.
Very high demand.
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