It was something like June 28 when I was diagnosed with Squemasel throat cancer. Got the catskan on July 6 and it confirmed that cancer had not spread. Also had a chest xray that was clear. Between Stage 1 & Stage 2. Doc's recommended radiation. Now waiting for radiation doc to finish his plan for my treatment. Saw him on July 11 and still waiting. Saw the surgeon yesterday and he said I should hear something in a few days about my plan and when treatment should start. No surgery, only radiation.

My question is are these delays routine and whether or not I should be concerned?

Hi Pete228
I found my Lump on the 28th of April( Cool )saw my own GP on the 7th May and he refered me to my specialist on the next day (after Scans), had the lump excised on the 16th of May( Squamous Cell Carcinoma ) had Barium Swollow on the 22nd then CT Scan on the 24th and saw my specialist that afternoon, then Refered to an ENT specialist on the 1st of June. I had a scope of my throte and then a presurgery check up and an ECG on the 6th, then on the 8th had a tonselectomy ( Benign ). Admitted to the RAH and had a Neck Dissection on the 22nd and they removed 34 Glands, 5 Lymth Nodes 2 of which were cancerous, had neck muscle removed and one of my viens,went home 30th of June feeling great.
On the 5th of July I was fitted for a Mask for RT saw the Oncologist on the 6th, he organised a Kidney Scan on the 17th of July and a PET/Scan on the 20th and then back to the Oncologist on the 23rd. On the 30th I have to have a blood test so that they know the stenght of Chemo to give me on the 31st which is to take about 3 to 6hrs, and then RT which continues for 7 weeks (35) doses now thats not Cool. So Hang in there Mate and be patient as it will happen if it has to.
Stay Strong

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trev,

Trev, you make me feel like a weakling with all the procedures you have went through. lol.

About 10 minutes ago I had a nurse call me to tell me my radiation will start next monday. I just wasn't happy waking up this a.m. at 4 wondering whether or not they are ever going to start my treatment before it is too late ...... and then tell me, we are sorry.... but.....

thanks again for sharing your experiences with me.

later, pete

My understanding was that radiotherapy is most effective when done within 8 weeks of surgery. 5 years ago I had my SCC node removed on a July 2 and the radiation started on the Sept 2 which technically is a bit more than the 8 weeks.

There are plenty of people here I suspect who have waited longer than 8 weeks for radiation treatment often due to the fact that they have such extensive surgery they have to wait for that to heal enough first before another invasive procedure. There is also a shortage of trained technicians.

The planning stage is very important and probably you may find it gets revised during treatment. Be prepared to be patient you may spend a lot of time hanging around the unit especially once you need extra medical advice.

It is a testing time and with prior knowledge and support here I am sure you will both get through it. Good luck.

i didn't have any surgery other than the biopsy. i am just getting concerned since it has been over a month since i was diagnosed and almost a month past the date of the catscan. i am wondering if i need another catscan to make sure the cancer hasn't spread during delay for me to start radiation?

they keep telling me they are still working on my plan..... more calculations....

i wonder about going thru the radiation with all the delays without having another catscan. hate to finish up with radiation and then find out i have some cancer some place else and be faced with more radiation.... i would like to get it done in the first attempt....

i also get nervous about bugging the doctor's staff about when am i ever got to start treatment.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pete228,

Hi Pete
I think the goverments targets are 4 to 6 weeks after dianoisis

Regards
Dave and Sue

Pete

I was diagnosed on Sept 1st. My chemotherapy began on the 21st and my radiotherapy on the 12th Oct.

Of course the start of treatment depends on how fit you are at the time and when they can fit you in.If you feel well enough then push the hospital very hard to start as soon as possible.