radiation without the side effects

ritagz

I just completed a 1 week research protocol for radiation after a lumpectomy.

the dosage was 30 GY given over 5 days (as opposed to 5-6 weeks) and was targeted just at the cavity site where the tumor was removed.  it was given in the prone position - which was a bit uncomfortable but reassuring because no other body parts were being radiated.  I know that many people have different reactions to radiation, and generally those with the most complications are the ones that post.  Having read all those, I was really terrified of the possibility of burning, fatigue, vomiting etc, and the fear of the side affects almost made me not want to do the radiation at all.

So in the interest of other patients like me, I just wanted to say that I sailed through the week, went to work during the day and my appointments after work, and suffered absolutely no apparent side effects (other than the malaise from the xanax I took the first 2 days to prevent my anxiety).  I was neither nauseous nor particularly tired.  There was no burning sensation and no other side effects, at least  so far.  Maybe next week when my body absorbs it all, some residual side effects may set in,  but I think it is important to note, that not all people react similarly, and at least for me, the radiation was not in the least a problem.  I am glad I did because statistially this reduces  my odds of a recurrence, and hopefully in the future, the 1 week option will be more readily available so more women can  be treated successfully in less amount of time.