Radiation time with DCIS

I know the radiation time is dependent on each individual's diagnosis, however, I was wondering if there is a minimum length of time for radiation following a DCIS diagnosis.  I have heard it is six weeks for any type of DCIS and maybe longer if there is more than one site.  Also, how soon after the biopsy does radiation usually take place and is it done usually for 5 days and then break for a day or two?  I live where I have to travel away from home and had my surgery almost a month ago and still haven't heard anything yet.  Is it common to have radiation so long afterward?  Thank you.

[japdip]

I would think you would have been referred to an Oncologist following your surgery. You mention having the biopsy but I didn't see any mention of any further surgery. I would suggest that you contact either your own Dr. or the Surgeon's office and inquire about when you will be seeing the Oncologist. If you had excisional surgery in addition to the biopsy, healing needs to take place before Radiation is begun as this can interfere with the healing process.   Your amount and duration of Rads will be determined by the Oncologist. Make some calls and find out what's going on and when.    Regards ....

[Jaquta]

I was told that ideally radiation should commence within eight months of surgery.

I had surgery late December and started radiation ?early March.  I had a breast abscess which didn't completely heal till the beginning of Feb.  The surgeon then referred me to the oncologist.  That took several weeks, then several more for simulation planning, etc.

The duration depends on the individual and lots of other variables.  I know some women opted for a higher dose so they could finish treatment earlier.  I expect there are both advantages and disadvantages of doing that.

I had radiation for 5 weeks.  I had dcis.  I had radiation during the week, then the weekend off.  I heard people say that you aren't suppose to miss more than four sessions in a row.  I too lived out of the area.  My oncologist strongly advised against driving as fatigue is a very real side-effect of radiation and they were aware of several who had and had had serious accidents.  

The wait depends on many things not least of all the waiting list.  You could perhaps follow-up with the ?surgeon's receptionist to see if the referral has been made and how long they expect the wait to be.  Didn't your surgeon discuss the time-frame for the radiation with you?

I know how on edge you can feel when there is some doubt as to when radiation will start.  On top of your own concerns about cancer and radiation.

You could perhaps use this time to prepare for your treatment period.  Most people I've spoken too have been affected to some degree by fatigue.

J