Radiation??

[Mabethea]

I go tomorrow for a CT/planning meeting with my Radiation Oncologist. Don't really know what to expect. I couldn't think of any questions when I met with her yesterday. Now after googling have no idea what to expect. Prone or supine??? When she,was talking about side effects, she said because I have "pendulum breasts" I'd likely get rash/sores under my breast. Any thoughts comments about how this is done?

[Gerji]

I have the same questions. Also how long are the appts? Can they be done w/me in a wheelchair? Do we have to take anything w/us to the treatments, etc? Let me know what you learn please. Thanks

[Mabethea in reply to Gerji]

Today was no big deal. Took only 25 minutes. I laid down on my back on the CT scan table. Arms overhead. The doctor came in and put dots where she wanted marked. The technician then applied some kind of stickers all around that area to be treated and then did CT scan which took about 2 minutes. She then put "tattoo dots" maybe 6 around the same area and that was that. She said they would call me in about a week to schedule my appointments. 6 weeks, 5 days a week. To answer your question I don't think you can do this in a wheelchair. Don't need to bring anything. The actual treatment only takes about 15 minutes. Good luck to you ,Gerji

[Gerji in reply to Mabethea]

Thanks, so much!!

[daf10 in reply to Gerji]

if you are having your treatment done in a cancer center, the longest time that you will spend getting treatment will mostly likely be sitting in the waiting . A daily session will take about 15-30 minutes in the treatment room; however, the actual treatment only lasts a few minutes. Because your are wheelchair bound special setting you up for treatment maybe a little more complicated Usually the technicians tattoo your upper body so they can line you up on the radiation table table In some hospitals they create a body mold to keep you in place You do need to contact your doctor and ask how they will prepare you for radiation treatment.

This write up in the Memorial Sloan Kettering website but might be of use to you

mskcc.org/cancer-care/patie...

[daf10]

Since there are so many types of radiation treatments these days it is wise to get a full picture of what type of treatment you will be undergoing You can fax or emails your questions to your doctor or call the office and speak to a nurse navigator/practitioner

Here are some questions you can ask:

1. Do you recommend radiation therapy to treat my cancer?

2. What are the benefits of radiation therapy?

3. What types of radiation therapy would I be a candidate for?

4. How many treatments are involved and how long does each session last?

5. Where will I go for my appointments?

6. What precautions should I take while on treatment?

7. What are the side effects of my treatment and how should I manage them?

8. How should I manage any skin irritation associated with treatment?

9. How might having radiation affect breast reconstruction should I decide to have it?

10. What are the potential long-term side effects of my treatment?

some other thongs to think about

Treating Planning Questions

Who is involved in planning my radiation treatment?

How is the treatment plan checked to make sure it is best for me?

What procedures do you have in place so that the treatment team is able to treat me safely?

How can I be assured that my treatment is being done correctly every day?

What is the difference between a medical error and a side effect?

[Gerji]

Thanks for all the info!! You're great!

[1jet11]

Once you get over the anxiety and commit to the therapy it is not so bad and takes minimal time. As someone else said, the set up takes longer than the actual radiation. The first meeting where a head and neck placement mold is made takes the longest. I made the experience palatable by getting to know the technicians better and making small talk each session about just about anything. At the end of my 5 weeks we all hugged.

[Mabethea]

I'm in a quandry...have a quandry...whatever. When my oncologist canceled my last 2 chemo cycles after 4 cycles, see earlier entry, he said I was considered to be in remission. So now the people I've told that to are asking, "then why are you having radiation?" My answer has been to make sure there are no cancer cells left. I've been comfortable with that...from the beginning I said I wanted to do whatever it took to make sure it doesn't come back. So, opinions?

[dawcic]

For those for which radiation therapy is indicated, you may wish to consider partial breast irradiation, also known as brachytherapy. Not all patients are candidates for it so a conversation with your rad. onc is necessary.

While it does require insertion of a catheter into the breast (in my case both breasts), it condenses weeks of whole breast radiation into just a few days. The benefit in having many fewer sessions is great as is the fewer (hopefully) radiation related side effects down the road. I had the SAVI catheters. Good luck!

[Mabethea]

I had radiation treatment #16 today..over halfway finished. So far only side effect is some minor itching. A little pink but after using the cream they gave me that's better.