Protecting the Heart During Radiation

gardengypsy

For those who habe had or will have radiation treatment on your left side. What measures were taken to protect your heart during radiation!

gardengypsy

Have you had or will you have radiation treatment on your left side? If so, what measures were taken to protect your heart?

snorkeler

Active breathing control/gated breathing: Before each zap of radiation, I had to inhale deeply to expand my chest to a certain level. When the chest expands, the heart is farther away from the radiated area.

Kkubsky

I had radiation in a prone position.

ceanna

Are you eligible for brachytherapy? This catheter delivered radiation is more heart friendly. Ask your radiation oncologist.

SissyK

Before I started treatment, I was assured that today's radiation does not affect the heart or lungs, and do not remember any special steps taken to protect them during treatments.  I just had my last appointment (5 years from treatment) with RO and asked what long-term side effects I needed to be on the lookout for going forward - specifically heart issues and lung issues.  He told me what I remembered from our earlier talks - that current treatments are not like the ones from many years ago and that I didn't need to be particularly watchful for heart/lung issues due to radiation.  He did say that there is a very small percentage of patients who will develop a specific type of lung cancer 20 to 25 years out from treatment. No way to foretell who that will be or why certain folks develop it. 

xcancer

Hi,

Ubiquinol ( Co-Q10) might be a something to look into. It is the number one nutrient for heart health. Research it and see if its a right fit for you. I take it every day.

Hope that helps