Boost on side?

Variable

Has anyone had boost treatments on their side? I am currently being treated in the prone position and am glad I can't see what is happening around me. I am a bit anxious and have caught myself jump when machine sounds change. Hoping the side position doesn't cause me additional stress. Any side boost veterans out there?

Variable

So your lack of response suggests this is not so common? I am concerned about the direct shot right down into my left breast and lung. Any words of encouragement would be helpful. I start this week!

labelle

I also had the bulk of my RADS in the prone position, but my boost was done in the regular supine position-which is how most people have their full RADS treatment. What's not common is the prone position-it isn't available at all RADS centers and some are not good candidates for it for whatever reasons.

I don't remember why, but for some reason the boost could not be done in the prone position for me either. I wasn't happy about it, but went ahead with it (the other option was to skip it, which I seriously considered given my very large margins)-I figure I still ended up with a smaller chance of damage due to RADS than most simply by electing to use the prone position for the majority of my treatment. I'm pretty sure a RADS center and RO that are capable of offering and willing to offer the prone position to minimize RADS damage to the heart and lungs will be very careful in making sure to minimize damage from the boost as well.

Variable

Thank you for the response. I hate the thought of trading one problem (breast cancer recurrence) with another (heart and lung problems)

ruthbru

No problems from the boosts for me.

ruthbru

Opps, I accidentally submitted my answer twice!

Variable

Just a rant: So today is the first appointment for my BOOST, after 25 prone position whole breast treatments. I am 5 more treatments away from done but the change in my radiation routine is unnerving! I spoke with the Dosimetrist yesterday to have my plan explained to me as the thought of direct straight line electrons to my breast, and everything behind it on my left side is a concern. Essentially, I was told not to worry these rays don't go that deep. Uhh??? OK...., but if you are showing me a scan and my lung is in the field you plan to radiate, then that is TOO DEEP for me! And by the way, my large breast balancing ever so dangerously on my ribcage does change the amount of breast tissue under the large bullseye drawn on it depending on how far I am on my side!!! His response, it will vary slightly day to day, this is a clinical workup. Sure, I understand that, but this is a treatment designed to TARGET the tumor bed, shouldn't it be more PRECISE! Dear GOD, please have my radiation team look at the BOOST plan and positioning one more time before delivering that CURATIVE dose! Just 5 more, just 5 more (repeat all day!)

Am I wrong to expect a certain level of understanding when asking questions related to how a treatment that will effect my body for the rest of my life is delivered??? Making treatment decision under the gun is so unfair!!! I will do as I am told, and suppose his confidence in what he does for a living is sufficient to keep me safe!!!!

And as a secondary concern, all of my copilots for my 45 minute drive to treatment have terrible colds! Today's barrier to peace, solo and spooked!!!!

ruthbru

The boosts don't go as deep as the others. Most people do NOT have terrible SEs. I did 30 plus the 5 boosts the old fashioned way (since prone was not even a choice that long ago), left side like you. No problems then or now, 10 years later. Hang in there, the end is in sight!

Variable

Thanks Ruthbru! I survived 4 more to go!

ruthbru