Questions for RO - first visit

pat01

Hi all,

I have my first visit with my RO on Monday, and was wondering what to expect, and what kinds of questions I should be asking. I am not looking forward to radiation

Pat

dogsandjogs

Well, he should tell you everything you need to know. Mine spent a whole hour with me. So I didn't have to ask a single question. But he should tell you exactly what the whole procedure entails and how you can expect to feel during and after. In my case, because I'm 75, he told me what my risks were if I skipped radiation (studies show people of 70 don't always benefit from radiation) He also told me the possible side effects affecting heart, bones, possible other cancers, etc.  So I got all the pros and cons and was very impressed with his honesty. He did not try to push radiation at all.

cycle-path

I didn't have external radiation, but one of the subjects that seems to come up a lot is the markings they make. Some docs do some sort of temporary markings with a Sharpie and tape, but the usual thing seems to be tattoos. You might want to ask how many tattoos, where, and what the size will be.

FireKracker

Ask about the cream.very important.some RO tell you to start creamin before the rads.some dont tell you anything....ask away.ask if you are getting boosts.they are targeted tx.No one looks forward to the rads but they are doable.you dont have to like it you just have to show up.no one wants to do it but we do what we gotta do...i went kicking and screaming.im not sorry.check out other threads.lots of info on BCO.

Good luck.....huggggggggggs K 

pat01

Thank you all for your advice.  I've been reading a lot of info on these boards.  Sometimes doctors leave out things you wish you would have known in advance instead of after the fact.  I guess I meet with my RO, then he schedules me for mapping, then I start radiation, if I understand the process correctly.

I have another question - I am supposed to go on an aromitase inhibitor - but I'm thinking I would like to start that after radiation, to deal with one set of side effects at a time.  Anyone else done this?

Bren-2007

Pat .. I waited until after my radiation treatment to start Tamoxifen and/or Arimidex.  I don't think the delay will cause any problems.

Best of luck to  you during rads.

Bren

BlazerFanC

Pat,

My MO didn't want to see me again until after rads were complete.  I will see him in a couple of weeks.  I completed my 25 regular tx yesterday and I'm off for a planned mini-vacation.  I will start my 8 boosts on Monday.  My RO said my skin has held up better than most, thankfully.  I have really rough skin under my breast and very tender skin under my arm pit but no blisters.  The skin is pretty thick and I think the "no washcloths, only pat dry" instructions have contributed to that.  I'm guessing the non exfoliated skin is protecting the tender skin underneath.

Lots of different info from RO's on the boards here.  My RO suggested creams beginning on day 1.  (I actually started a couple of weeks before based on a suggestion from a survivor friend).

Best of luck, you can do this!

Cindy 

pat01

Met with the RO today, and they were very thorough.  They offered me a 4 week option instead of the 6 (can't remember what it is called, Canadian or Brittish maybe?), and I thought that would be great   I go for mapping August 3, as we will be on a short camping vacation the last week of July.  Also, the RO says they always suggest waiting to start an aromatase inhibitor until the radiation is over, so as not to mix up side effects.

I was so nervous going to this appt., felt like crying - maybe because it's been a month since my surgery and I was feeling stronger, now here I am in the cancer center waiting room surrounded by some people who are very sick - it took me a long while to settle down, but they were very nice and before I knew it I wasn't nervous anymore.  But the reaction kind of took me by surprise.

pejkug3

PAT01 - Before I had my first treatment, my RO sat with me in front of his computer and showed me my CT with the rads zones all marked out.  It really helped me to make peace with the treatment plan.

I've had a hard time emotionally with rads.  I can't explain it - I just have this emotional reaction to it.  But seeing my plan really helped me.

Elizabeth1889

Rads is an emotional time for me, too.  Tomorrow, I will see the RO for the first time since my rad treatments began.  How I wish he would have taken the time to show me my CT and rad zones.  It would have helped a lot.  Pejkug3, I am glad you have a good RO.

Maybe484

pat01, I'm doing the Canadian protocol--I'm having 17 rads and 5 boosts.

I was surprised at how emotional I've been through the process--much more so than even during diagnosis and two surgeries/recovery.  Don't be hesitant to take meds if you need them.

Good luck with your treatments.