What to Expect After Meeting with a Radiation Oncologist?

I am stage 3, triple positive… I had a lumpectomy on 10/24. I saw the oncologist radiologist on 11/14 & will get my markers placed on 11/26 and hopefully start in December. Why? Because you need to be completely healed before you start radiation. Mastectomy takes longer to heal. So chances are that you won’t start till end of December or beginning of January. I will get 33 sessions of radiation. I did not get a complete pathological response.

Thank you so much Mirna M! I know it have to heal, I just wanted to know what the next part of my journey looks like. I understand I have to heal. I just wanted to know time frame from meeting, markers, and session numbers. I have a small OCD of planning and it helps me during the waiting time 🫶

Totally understand. The waiting kills me too ☹️

I would suggest distracting yourself and use your time to get ahead on a few things. Make some healthy freezer meals to have on hand. I just finished my radiation on the 11th and I can honestly say, I have never been so exhausted in my life. My days consisted of my appointment, work, a light dinner and in bed sleeping by 8 everyday. I just wish I had known how exhausted I was / am still.

Joy, how many treatments did you need?

I had 33 total. My skin is looking great, still easily exhausted but just easing back into all the things. Kind of thankful for the cold weather where I am to encourage me to just hunker in and read or do quiet activities ~ You can do this. It goes by pretty quick!

33 Wow!! Way to go. I am glad for the colder weather too.

Congratulations!! But be aware that one breast will shrink . I wish I said do radiation on both sides or something especially if you put a lot of money into them.

Good advise Christina, I have spacers in right now, and will not get my permanent implants until 6 months after radiation. I will ask my surgeon.

Sally, the radiologist will base how many treatments you get from your surgery results. Let's say he suggests 30 treatments. They will schedule 5 treatments a week, M-F. Hypothetically, you will be done in 6 weeks. Add 2 more weeks for hiccups, possible side effects like burns, rashes, holidays. Radiation is accumulated your tiredness will get worse as you go. It does go away with time .

I'm HER2 positive...stage 3. 6 rounds of chemo, bilateral mastectomy, currently have 7 radiation treatments of 33 left. The doc has been fabulous. Really explained the why behind radiation. In comparison to everything else, this part has been easy. It requires me to go to the hospital everyday, so that part is intense. I see the doc every week to check in my skin and she adjusts creams used as needed. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. Best wishes...

Meeting with a radiation oncologist typically involves discussing your treatment plan, followed by a simulation appointment where they'll map out the precise areas for treatment and create custom positioning devices. Most patients then begin daily radiation sessions (usually Monday through Friday) that can range from 15-30 treatments depending on individual circumstances, with each session lasting just a few minutes once you're positioned correctly. It sounds like you're making great progress through your treatment journey, and connecting with others who've been through radiation can provide valuable insights and support as you prepare for this next step.