tests prior to radiation

JuniperCat

I'm just wondering, what tests do they do prior to radiation? Do they do a mammogram or an ultrasound? Thanks

ksusan

They do positional imaging (your "sim" or simulation).

JuniperCat

Hi, KSusan. Is this imaging done with an MRI

marijen

I was told they will do a CT scan... not sure now if that is the same as an MRI?

JuniperCat

Hi, Marijen...I'm not sure. My RO is suggesting the prone position ... sounds a bit uncomfortable

KBeee

CT scan is different from MRI. CT is used as KSusan said for positioning and to map your treatment. If you can get them to do prone position, it may be more uncomfortable but it will help reduce the risk of heart damage big time. Some centers do not have the ability to do it, so if yours does, I would take advantage of it if it were me.

ksusan

They may also take x-rays before treatment and once a week.

Hopeful82014

Juniper Cat, I've read that the prone position can actually help minimize skin issues.

It may also help you to know that most RT sessions are quite brief; I had several fields and I think most of mine sessions ran 8 minutes or less, including checking the positioning. There were x-rays ("port films") done once a week and those added a few minutes to the sessions, but not much. So even if the position is somewhat uncomfortable, it would not be held for long.

JuniperCat

Thank you so much for filling me in on these things!!!!