Radiation "Boost"

Dcole921

Does anyone know how they determine if boosts are needed? I can't find any information on why the boosts are needed for some and not others. I was told after 18 (of 30) treatments that I would probably need some boosts after the normal treatments were completed. I will meet with the doctor again on Friday, but I'd like to have as much information beforehand as possible. Thanks for any information you guys may have!

KBeee

They are used more often than not, but you can ask youR RI why he/she recommends them.

Dcole921

Apparently, these were already a part of the schedule - 25 regular and 5 boosts. She was saying she may do more boosts and less regular treatments since my skin is so raw and damaged. But - It will end up being the same number: 30. So my countdown to the end remains the same.

ksusan

You may know this, but the purpose of the boost is to target the scar tissue that might otherwise not get a good dose--it's composed differently from normal skin and reacts differently to radiation.

Dcole921

I did not know that! Thanks for the info!

Pheasantduster

I had radiation boosts which 3 months later resulted in my having infiltration (pneumonia in lungs) which took over a year to clear up. On predisone on and off this time. This created problems with my thyroid count! I wish I had never agreed on this treatment but settle for the 30 day radiation, I was told the booster rads were concentrated on the nipple area. I wonder why they do not protect rest of body like your neck and arm. I realize having radiation on left side does compromise your heart and lung.

Pheasantduster

Didn't mean to "delete" my comments (oop's) - I had radiation boosts (last 5 days of 30 day treatment) April of 2013. In July 2013, I had lung problems (pneumonia) which took over a year to clear up with on and off treatment of Predisone. The predisone then did havoc with my thyroid count. I wish I had never agreed to these boosters. I was told the radiation was concentrated on the nipple. I was aware of the possibilities of lung or heart damage as my treatment was on the left breast. I still think that boosters were overdoing it.

Cowgirl13

Ksusa, thanks for the information