Are all radiation treatments equal?

pupmom

By this I mean do different Stages and Grades receive different levels of radiation, or are we all in the same boat? I'm so nervous about what is awaiting me! 

GG27

Yes, there are different levels.  I met a lady at rads (I had to travel & stay at the cancer lodge) she had a lower grade than me, her rads took about 2 minutes & they left the door open.  She said mine took about 20 minutes & they closed the big door each time, they would reposition me 3 times.  Your RO or one of the techs should be able to let you know what to expect.  I know it's nerve wracking, but you can get through it.  For most it's pretty easy.  Good luck, Dee

pupmom

Dee, thanks for that information. Guess I won't know my fate until after surgery. Waiting sucks.  

GG27

Waiting is the hardest part of all this.  It's hurry up & wait...    Are you going to have to have chemo, I guess you won't know all the answers til after surgery.  I remember being terrified when all this started, the not knowing is the worst.   My diagnosis was exactly three years prior to yours, now my treatment & reconstruction all seems like a blur.   Everyone here is good about answering questions or just helping you get through the waiting.  Don't hesitate to ask.  Dee

pupmom

Dee, right now docs do not think I will need chemo, "just" rads and hormone treatment. Nodes look clean on MRI,  mams and US, and feel ok to them. As we know, though, NOTHING is guaranteed in bc world. So I wait until surgery to find out exactly what I'm dealing with. Glad your tx and recon memories are a blur. Sometimes that's a blessing! Take care.

cmbear

During your surgery, they will get an idea of where your cancer "field" is and that will be the area radiated. And with no node involvement(yeaH!!) your field should not be as big.The set up and mapping is the most obnoxious part about the process cause you have to keep your hands over your head and be still for several minutes. They will just be taking lots of pictures and plotting where exactly they are going to radiate.  The rads TX itself is totally painless, until your skin starts reacting. Just remember to ask your RO what lotions to use, use before you start and use OFTEN!!When is your surgery? 

pupmom

Cmblastic, my surgery is scheduled for 11/22. I asked them to let me know if they get a cancellation so I can go in earlier. Let me say I am hopeful no nodes are involved. Won't feel home free until after the SNB. Another wild card out there is genetic testing, which should come back this week.

 Do you know if Vitamin E cream or oil is helpful for radiated skin?

GG27

You have to be careful about what creams & oils you use with rads.  I found some aloe gel that didn't have alcohol in it, it's very hard to find.  But they will tell you no alcohol in anything, soap, cream etc.  They will have a sheet which will give you all the recommended products & when they want you to use them. 

Some here have said that vitamin E causes thicking of scar tissue, you can do a search & read up on it.  I asked my PS about Bio oil which they promote as helping with scars, he didn't think anything would help other than time.  Dee

pupmom

Thanks Dee! I will follow dr.'s orders. The information I get on this board is awesome!

DebConway

I was also grade 1, 1.5cm. I had a lumpectomy and 5 nodes removed, which were all clear. I was fortunate to be offered treatment with the SAVI device. Two times a day for 5 days and I was done. It's internal radiation that's IMO better than the mammo site because they can target the individual catheters to deliver radiation to different areas. I believe mine had nine. I really didn't want traditional radiation because mine was on my left side and I was concerned about possible damage to my heart. Best wishes to you.