Issues with Radiation Therapy and the location of the heart

[LibbyBelle04]

Has anyone had issues with Radiation Therapy and the location of their heart? I went for my consult and they said that I have to have my expanders reduced more than the 180cc that I had removed before my consultation. Wondering if my "assigned" radiation oncologist really knows what they are doing, since I was told nothing would have to be removed, then it was 180ccs, now it's all the way to nothing. Wondering now if traditional radiation is the way to go or try Proton Therapy.

[anrean]

I never had expansion, so don't know about it, but if you are feeling uncomfortable with the "assigned" doctor you should get a 2nd opinion. I firmly believe we have to connect with and trust the doctor who is taking care of us!! It sounds like that trust is not there

[Rhwright12]

Never had radiation... but I was thinking that u should get the Proton vs traditional if possible. 🤷‍♀️😀 Less exposure to harmful radiation plus its more precise I believe.

[worldtravel75]

University of Michigan developed a special way of radiating when it might affect the heart. I was sent there because of it.

[myguy]

Hi LibbyBelle04, I had radiation therapy due to a lumpectomy. I read about DIBH, Deep Inspiration Breath Hold and my radiation oncologist knew about this. It is supposed to move your heart lower in your chest and towards the midline. The doctor that programs the computer for the radiation therapy angles the radiation beam in a way that helps the radiation to be less damaging to your underlying organs. I am 3 months out from having 16 treatments and have had no evident damage to my heart or lungs. There is instructions online for how to do this. It is simple and easy to learn. Good luck to you on your journey

[Sadiedog12 in reply to myguy]

Hi, I know it’s a year since you posted but I just stumbled across it like you do when looking for information. I had radiation to both breasts and did the deep breath hold technique. It appears to have worked for me too. It did cross my mind though at the time, that not everyone can hold their breath for 25 seconds unfortunately. I do think you need a good pair of lungs!

[Artlady5678 in reply to Sadiedog12]

Sorry about your troubles. I had to hold my breath while getting radiation so it would have less effect on my heart since it was on my left side. I had a lot of anxiety about holding my breath for extensive periods of time but I managed it. Consult with your radiologists before doing it. I am in good physical shape and a swimmer and found it tough but it was necessary.

[Scrapbooker]

If you have any doubt about radiologists or

Doctors get a second opinion. I did & I was right in my thinking of did first ones know what they were doing. No & 2nd opinion doctors knew what to do in a different way & very positive. So

Glad I changed & felt God guided me them ....they were so professional & I had a large team of doctors of all kinds that got together & decided what should be done. Amazing. Good luck. These decisions are so hard! Hugs & prayers.