Radiation and Chemo

My Mom has stage IV breast cancer. It is now in her bones and lymph nodes. I am confused by the Radiologist and Oncologist's recommendations. Is it true that the radiation and chemo are not done at the same time? Should my Mom go with the chemo first since preventing spread and attacking the chemo is what we want not just dealing with a local area. I think the Radiologist may have said that they would only do 5 days of treatment. He said it usually takes 2 weeks to get relief from the pain that is caused by the cancer in her sacral area. She is hardly able to walk because of this. The oncologist wants to put a port in next week and start chemo on Dec 28.
Also, is it generally a good thing to be involved in a clinical study? What are the pro's and con's?
Thanks!
Concerned Daughter

[japdip]

I'm sorry to hear of your Mother's present condition and truly hope that her treatment wlll be successful as well as help ease her pain. Chemo and Radiation are not done at the same time. There can be a severe side effect involving the skin (radiation recall) that occurs when radiation is started too soon following Chemo or given at the same time. Clinical studies or trials can be very beneficial and most pt.s take advantage of the opportunity. It would be a decision that would be yours & your Mothers. From your post I gather that you are in favor of the Chemo being done immediately; as far as the pain from the bone mets, this might be helped with some pain medication until the Radiation can begin.  Kindest regards ....

[ConcernedDaughter204]

Thanks for your response. That clears up some of my confusion.
What is beneficial about being in a clinical study? The monitoring/attention in addition to the usual care?
Can someone just get a few radiation treatments and the next day start getting chemo or does there have to be a break in between.
Thanks Again!
Concerned Daughter

[japdip]

I can't really addresss your second question because each individual case is treated somewhat differently; treatment is usually forulated on an individual basis according to many factors ... type of cancer, all Pathology studies as wel as the age and/or general cond. of the pt.

As to the Clinical study: There would be, as you stated, closer monitoring, etc. I should have ask before but is it "study" or "trial" ?? I may have stated a couple things that would apply to "trial" rather than "study".  

[ConcernedDaughter204]

It is a clinical trial.
Concerned Daughter

[japdip]

OK ... well then there are more advantages ... she may well be the recipient of a drug that would not normally be available to other pt.s As I stated in my original response, most women are more than willing to be included in a Clinical Trial. This is how progress is made against this terrible disease on the way to a CURE. Wishing all the best for your Mom and to you also .... Kindest regards