Rupert: How long can you wait before having radiation after surgery.

[rupert]

I am a British national presently living in Spain. On the 21st of April 2006 my left testicle was removed and on the 18th of May 2006 I was given the results. I had a stage one seminoma measuring 4.5cms. My ct and chest x-rays showed no lympatic extension or spread. (The only worry was that the doctor said that the ct scan had showed up that there had been a mark over my liver which he believes was a cyst but I have to have a further scan to check it out).

In Spain, the norm is to go into surveillance while in the UK usually it is to have radiation treatemtment so I am a bit hesitant what to do ? Stay in Spain or go back to Britain?

I am presently waiting for the hospital to make copies of my reporst etc and I should get them at the end of May but I would like to know how soon you should start radiation after the operation if you decide to do that ?

[tc2006]

I was told that most people do the radiation between 4-6 weeks after surgery, and that one shouldn't wait more than 8 weeks. I don't know what the exact reasons are for this recommendation (other than, I guess, that any cancer that may still in your body will continue to grow), but this is what they say here in the U.S.

[rupert]

Thanks I will try and see if the Spanish doctors can give me some more infomation

[Eric]

Rupert

Seminoma is very slow growing, so 4 or 6 weeks does not make any difference.
Take your time to do the right decision.