Interruption to radiation due to other health issue; will it impact efficacy?

[Lynsi13]

Has anyone here had an interruption to their radiation from another health event? Did you just pick back up on the radiation treatment as planned or did you break for a while and start all over again?

My dad was on day 9 of 20 rounds of radiation and he had a heart attack and needed a stent. He had radiation last Monday and missed every other day last week. He's set to return to treatments today and I'm curious about how the interruption will affect efficacy and how others handled similar situations?

Thanks so much!

[Andy1569]

I had a 5 day interruption to my radiation process. We started back up and I had no issues. Finished all 44 treatments and my PSA has been undetectable for a year.

Fight On!

Andy

[Lynsi13 in reply to Andy1569]

That's great to hear. Dad was worried that either it wouldn't be effective or he would be asked to start over!

Thanks for sharing and best of luck to you!

[fireandice123]

When I had my RT I was told that a week-long interruption would not be a problem.

[Lynsi13 in reply to fireandice123]

That's good to hear! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Tall_Allen]

It's not a problem. PCa grows slowly, so "re-population" is not an issue, as it can be with some rapidly growing cancers.

[Lynsi13 in reply to Tall_Allen]

That makes sense. Glad to hear it! Thank you!

[GeorgesCalvez]

I had a four day break due to a long weekend with two public holidays on the Friday and the Monday.

With 40 odd treatments spread over about eight weeks it is not unusual to have a three or four day break in France due to public holidays, there is machine maintenance, software updates, etc as well.

[Davidr1049]

I received 3 months of daily (m-f) radiation treatment for 3 months while on hormone suppressant therapy I had a low Gleason Scale and chose treatment vs wait and see.

[Biru49]

I had 38 rounds of RT two years ago without interruption. I'm scheduled for another 28 rounds in about six months. Good luck to you and your father.

[16S4]

I had a 4 day break when the radiation machine broke down. My RO stated that short breaks are not a problem with PCa. With other types of cancers breaks may be problematic.

[NMK_]

Sorry, can’t help you. I had a brief interruption of several days due to a suspected Covid exposure. 🤞

[j-o-h-n]

Just tell your DAD I am ashamed of him.........almost losing his heart over some young female.

I'm keeping an eye on him......... (God Bless).....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 09/19/2023 11:00 PM DST