Protection against scatter radiation?

Miss_Mama_Bear

Hello! My friend (an RN) just told me that she thought they were supposed to protect the rest of your body against radiation with lead blankets. Has this been anyone else's experience? it would make sense. I have done 16/30 rads and I am MISERABLE! My RO is apparently doing things a bit differently because I am having such a large area treated (all of lymph nodes and chest wall) and I have large implants (this is a recurrence after reconstruction was complete). I am having throat constriction and irritation, severe heartburn, lung issues...I am seriously taking more medications than I did during chemo! If anyone has any input on this I would greatly appreciatae it! I don't know how I am going to be able to do the remaining 14.

Spookiesmom

I did ask about that, was told there was very very little scatter. That the rad beam is tightly focused. Call your ROs office tell them your concerns. I saw my RO weekly any questions were answered then. Nurse always was available.

BrooksideVT

I was concerned also. They explained that the beam they use needs a couple of feet of concrete to block it. Lead shielding only annoys the beams and generates the same scatter we're prepped to expect from, say dental or chest x-rays. Nope. No shields. As SpookiesMom mentioned, do check with your RO tomorrow, or the nurse, or the techs,or even all three.

Miss_Mama_Bear

Thanks ladies. I will definitely talk to my RO tomorrow about everything...BEFORE my treatment. At this point, I don't know if I can go another 14 treatments. Sheesh, who has issues with rads like this?! Leave it to me.

Bounce

Hang in there Miss Mama Bear.

Rads was hard for me emotionally and physically. I had a million questions and neither the RO nor the technicians were very talkative.

I also asked about shielding from scatter radiation and was assured it was unnecessary.

Don't be shy to ask any questions you have until you feel OK with the treatment.

MsPharoah's postings in the 2013 Radiation thread were very helpful to me - she made me see radiation as healing energy rather than death rays!

Slow deep breaths, calming thoughts and be as kind to yourself as possible during this period of treatment.

Hugs