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Should I Delay Radiation Treatment?

12/03/2010

Question:

Is there any danger in postponing radiation for three weeks after the completion of chemo? I had a stage 1 positive tumor with no lymph node involvement. I am scheduled to take a vacation two weeks after I complete Chemo and I want to start radiation after I get back. I will be gone one week. My oncologist wants to start immediately with no interuptions.

Answer:

We generally start radiation 3-4 weeks after last treatment with chemotherapy. Up to 6 weeks is usually ok if the tumor was completely resected with clear margins. Perhaps you could meet now with the radiation oncologist to get a second opinion.

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