I had a WLE and SNB on 2nd April, then unfortuately got an infection which has now healed. After seeing the oncologist and having good results; clear margins and no spread to nodes I was recommended for tamoxifen and radiotherapy. I have had the planning session for radiotherapy but have been given an appointment for 23rd June to start, with a major machine service that week so may only get two sessions.
How long has everyone else had to wait? I have rung the oncology department but they have said that ideally they would book me in within eight weeks but there is not enough capacity. She agreed that 11 weeks was a long time to wait - i just want to get it over and done with now.
Val
I had WLE and node sampling on 25th Jan and as no nodes affected was advised no chemo but signed up for 29 rads. My planning session was 29th February and 1st rads session 18th March which made it a little over 7 weeks from surgery to 1st rads session. As I had cording I had a week of intense physio to get my arm mobile enuff for the planning - I had a choice of instense physio for 4 days or postponing my planning session -the physio said that she would normally expect to work with someone for 4-6 weeks to get from where my arm was to where it needed to be, so going on that the planning would have been postponed for that length of time. I understand you wanting to get started with the rads asap - I was exactly the same, however, there is apparently no danger in waiting longer.
Good luck when you get started and hope all goes smoothly for you.
Hi Val. According to the Breast Cancer Breakthrough guidelines that I have it says this “Radiotherapy centres should have sufficient staff and capacity to guarantee access to radiotherapy within four weeks of identification of need” (Improving outcomes in Breast Cancer published by NICE September 2002). I think there are several centres that are just not able to meet this target though. Best of luck. Sarah
Hi Val
Yes I was aware of the recommended four weeks and worried that it was 10 weeks before I had rads after initial WLE, I had to have second op as margins not clear which caused the delay. Oncologist did not seem too worried however. All the best, Alice
Hi Val
My rads are starting 10 June which will be 11 weeks after my surgery (WLE 26th March). It is a long time to wait and I feel that the whole cancer experience seems to be a waiting game. I was told in the begining that rads will start 4 - 6 weeks after surgery, but it hasn’t happened that way. To be fair I would have started a week sooner but had a holiday booked for the 31st May and my onc felt after waiting 10 weeks another week isn’t going to make much difference, although I really expected my treatment to be over and done with before my holiday.
Like you I just want it all done asap but my onc says there is no risk by waiting longer. I have also found comfort and reassurance from the ladies on this forum, it is a fantastic support at a time when we need it. Good luck with your treatment and let me know how you are getting on.
Alison