Does "every day" mean every day?

summergal

Hi, all.  I've just had BLX and am anticipating starting radiation therapy in about six weeks.  But, as we are coming into holiday season for a lot of us, I'm trying to make plans for some fund things that would require "going out of town for the day."  Also, I'm aware that the wintertime often brings unfavorable driving weather for those of us in the northeast US.  So, does "every day" radiation mean I can't plan to go away for even one day, and what if we get bad weather and the roads are too dangerous for driving on one of my radiation days?  I've spent the last three months learning all about my diagnosis and surgical options, and am just now beginning the process of understanding my ongoing treatment. I appreciate any help you can provide.  I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time on the radiation discussion boards soon!

summergal

Hi, all.  I've just had BLX and am anticipating starting radiation therapy in about six weeks.  But, as we are coming into holiday season for a lot of us, I'm trying to make plans for some fun things that would require "going out of town for the day."  Also, I'm aware that the wintertime often brings unfavorable driving weather for those of us in the northeast US.  So, does "every day" radiation mean I can't plan to go away for even one day, and what if we get bad weather and the roads are too dangerous for driving on one of my radiation days?  I've spent the last three months learning all about my diagnosis and surgical options, and am just now beginning the process of understanding my ongoing treatment. I appreciate any help you can provide.  I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time on the radiation discussion boards soon!

BrooksideVT

Yes, the treatment is designed to clobber any little nasties that are hanging around every Monday through Friday.  Of course, there are exceptions, and they are not unexpected.  I also live in the northeast and my RO was very clear that she did not expect to see me if the weather was very bad.  I believe they all take the position that it is better to stay safely home than to risk life and limb trying to slog in for treatment.  Some of us miss a day or two because of skin, machine, or family issues.  Your RO might, or might not, be agreeable to a scheduled holiday or two, but is really the best person to discuss the impact of a trip you have your heart set on. 

summergal

Thank you so much, BrooksideVT.  May I ask how your radiation went?  It looks like our cancers have similar characteristics and we pursued the same surgical option. 

BookWoman

Summergal, my RO also was very clear in saying if the weather was bad I should not come. Of course I did not need to go on days like Thanksgiving and he would have been fine with my taking the day after Thanksgiving off as well (I didn't have anything planned so decided to go and get another day done). There also was at least one day the machine was not working, so I don't think it is crucial to be there every single day, but don't plan on taking a week off! And of course any days you are not there get added on--you don't get to skimp on the number of treatments. As Brookside said, discuss it with your RO.

BrooksideVT

I was absolutely terrified of radiation, and, after reading some of the posts here, expected the worst.  Other than my heebie jeebies, I had no problem.  I did have the expected redness and itchiness, and tended to drop off to sleep at unexpected times.  My hospital was about two hours from home, so I asked my RO to put me on disability during treatment, which she did. Afterwards, I was so exhausted, she gave me another month of disability.  Now, I'm kicking myself for not extending it.  I was one of the few who get hit with a post rads funk characterized by fatigue and general fogginess.  I thought perhaps I was depressed (and certainly felt entitled be), but apparently it's more like PTSD.  Typically, this lasts about six months, and mine seems to be clearing up right about on schedule.  Work was a real problem until I allowed the rads NP to prescribe a low dose of short acting ritalin.  Magic!

summergal

Thank you both for sharing.  I'm glad to hear there is at least a little tiny bit of wiggle room for scheduled radiation.  We don't typically get a ton of snow where we live here in PA, but with my luck, this will be the year of the Big Winter!  Brookside, glad to hear that the PTSD is starting to clear up.  I'm four days post-surgery, so I have a little while before all of my radiation starts (barring any news at my pathology appt this Friday).  That's interesting about falling asleep...I had read about the fatigue that can come toward the end of RT, and thought maybe it did have something to do with finally finishing the treatment and the associated psychology of that, but I hadn't heard about fatigue during treatment.  Hope you both are feeling well today!