Anyone had SBRT on mediastinal nodes?

minxie

Just found out Xeloda has stopped working on them. Right now this is the only place where my cancer appears. My oncologist has suggested we look into radiation. I have "several lobulated nodules in the left anterior mediastinum extending from the level of the aortic arch to the AP window." They are now 4.8 x 3.1 cm. I'm setting up an appointment with the radiation oncologist after I get back from my trip to Norway on the 27th. My concern is that they may be wary of doing something so near the aorta. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!

Heidihill

I did not have SBRT rather IMRT. Both require precise targeting in order to minimize damage to healthy tissue. With both, the beams are somehow adjusted to control for any movement from breathing. I had a tracking device placed on my chest and and visual and audio guides for breathing. They must have something similar for SBRT if it isn't already completely integrated into the program. Mine was done 10 years ago so I imagine the technology has improved vastly since. So far I have no heart damage. Good luck with your treatment and have fun in Norway!

minxie

Thanks for the info, Heidi. I see the radiation oncologist on the 2nd. Hopefully he will agree to SBRT.

theresa45

I had proton radiation therapy to mediastinal nodes and supraclavicular nodes at Scripps Proton Center in San Diego, CA. Proton therapy allows for very precise radiation to the targets with minimal radiation to surrounding tissue. The facility has recently changed owners and is now called California Protons Cancer Therapy Center. There are many different proton radiation facilities. My insurance ended up covering the treatment, although the radiation oncologist had to justify proton therapy. I would definitely ask about proton radiation therapy. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Best Wishes! Theresa

singlemom1

Theresa and Heidi- did you have the radiation because other treatment was working or did you have it due to being ogliomets? I had a enlarged hilar node that was positive for breast cancer. I also have a few nodules s that we can't get to in order to biopsy so not sure if cancer but now docs leaning towards no. Hilar node had a complete response to Letrazole and Ibrance but I asked about radiation in future if comes back and was basically advised against it by Dana Farber. Just wondering the circumstances of your radiation and has it ever come back in that area or others?

Heidihill

Both. Treatment was working and oligomets de novo. No, never came back anywhere. (Keeping fingers crossed.)