Who's done the shortened treatment plan

knowledgeforpower · April 2009

Hi,

I currently have 2 more chemo sessions to do, and will start radiation therapy around June 1. My RO is using the shortened plan and I will have 15 sessions plus 3 boosts. I would be interested in hearing from others who have had this shorter treatment plan. Did you find you had fatigue and how soon did you develop skin side effects? Thanks.

KristenJoy · April 2009

Hi knowledgeforpower (i like your handle!)

I am in the middle of a dose dense 16 sessions + 4 boosts. I have my 7th treatment today. I was tired for first few days -- I think it was a combination of stress and my body adapting to the treatment.) So far I have very minimal skin effects -- just some pinking and itching from time to time. But no burning or blistering yet (and hopefully I won't have those effects.)

I am following a good diet -- lots of fresh fruits and veggies as well as extra protein to stay strong. I also drink at least 60oz of water everyday -- I think that is key to keeping the circulation going and the skin moist. I also do stretches 3 times a day to keep my chest open and muscles loose. I have been applying "My Girl's Radiation Cream" since the first day of treatment -- 3x a day.

I've also kept to my workout plan -- generally 30 mins cardio a day + the stretching. I feel pretty good so far. Only some breast swelling and moderate pain -- I've taken extra strength tylenol for that a few days, but nothing stronger than that has been needed.

Hope all continues well -- I should be done with my boosts by April 29. I will keep you informed of my progress.

kristen

mzmiller99 · April 2009

Hi -I did the three week IMRT, and I was very pleased. I had few SEs...a little red and tingly at the site. My cancer was in the left breast and with the IMRT, they were able to zap me right on the the site without hitting my heart and lung.

Hugs and best wishes.

Susan

KristenJoy · April 2009

Hi Susan,

Mine is IMRT too -- good to hear yours went well. Mine is also left breast which is exactly why I wanted to go with the IMRT!

Kristen

knowledgeforpower · April 2009

Kristen and Susan,

Thanks for your replies. Mine is also on the left and I am hoping the RO will use IMRT as I have been worried about the radiation effect on my heart. I was very happy to hear I would have only 18 treatments and not the longer version. I've been exercising through chemo and plan to do so through radiation. I like the idea of stretching and will do that as well. Hope you both are feeling well.

Snappygoddess · April 2009

I didn't know there was a shortened plan.. I will have to ask my radiologist about that. I have 3 more rounds of Taxol and then have to have 33 rounds of radiaiton.

Thanks for the info!

Lories · April 2009

Hi, I had a total of 16 treatments. I got pretty tired and heard that was due to the concentrated doses.

Just keep up on the cream (I used Jean's) and rest when you are tired. I felt a lot better just having an afternoon nap, and really cut my work hours. It is nice to be done faster! hope it goes well.

Lories · April 2009

note to Snappy Goddess - I believe your tumor has to be pretty small with large margins, so I am not sure your 2 cm would qualify for the shortened treatment, but it does not hurt to ask!

CKE19 · May 2009

I'm doing 16 session and a boost. Only 3 more treatments to go. yay!!! first ten treatments felt no different. Fatigue started after 10th and slight itchness of the skin after 12. Aloe helps. Nothing i can't handle.

My RO gave me the choice of no radiation but surgeon and medical oncologist felt strongly about having it. he then offered shorter course which I took.

knowledgeforpower · July 2009

I will answer my own question Smile

. I finished chemo on May 5 and started radiation on June 10th. I finished with radiation this afternoon. I had a total of 18 sessions, with 3 as boosts. I recevied 2.67 Gy a day for the 15 regular sessions, not sure what I got during the 3 boosts. On day 14 I developed itchy red bumps on my chest wall at the top of the treatment field. I have gone through 2 bottles of aloe vera gel and my skin has remained in great condition. I did notice fatigue at the end of the day, but it was mild. I see the RO in six months and she will order my first mammogram since diagnosis. I am also on Aromasin and Zometa. If anyone has questions about the shortened plan I will be happy to answer them.

Louise64 · July 2009

I just finished (6 jul) 16 treatments and 4 boosts, I also had chemo before. My medical team, said it was normal for chemo patients to have fatigue during the radiation, alas mine was pretty intense. For moisture I used glaxol base cream, it has no scent, oils etc. and wore soft cotton clothing. The skin turned a bit pink and that was about it, although I found the scar area rather sore if I did not wear a binding sports bra when I worked out. I think from all the "horror" stories I have heard I have nothing to complain about. I think the shortened treatment session is the way to go I even tried for the "twice a day one week plan" but it is just in trials here and as I joke I did not win the coin toss.

For those starting radiation .. good luck. Just follow the advice about skin care, exercise and general health tips and it will be over in no time!

Carol913 · July 2010

I too am having the shortened plan...16 treatments of radiation. I have not been told anything about "boosts". Do they tell you that at the end IF you need them?

Cowgirl13 · July 2010

Carol, I was told that I would have 19 treatments. I didn't ask if any were boosts because I never thought of it. I did ask at almost the end of radiation if i would have any boosts and they said i would have 3 boots. It was very doable. I was so thrilled when I found out it would only be 19 treatments.

Carol913 · July 2010

Thanks for the reply, Cowgirl13!

Perhaps then I will only have 16 and be done. Sure hope so! Did your skin issues come about after you were done with the treatments? Today they told me that is what I can expect......for my skin to feel "burned" about two weeks after treatment is finished. I know each person reacts differently....so I'll have to see.

Cowgirl13 · July 2010

No, I didn't have any problems. I did, however, do exactly as the rad's office told me which was to use Aquafor (maybe plus or something) right after each session. I also put it on at night. I really gunked it up but it worked. I only got a little red. BTW, i didn't use deoderant or wear a bra. Hope this helps! What has your rad suggested as a moisture cream?

Carol913 · July 2010

So far this week I have used Udderly Smooth Cream...commonly known as Udder Cream. I've used it 2-3 times a day, especially right after treatment. I was told that is good to start with, and today one of the Rad. Techs told me that the next thing would be to switch to Aquaphor. I have some....so I'm prepared. I have not heard about the Aquaphor Plus. A friend has told me about a prescription cream called Radioplex. I'll just have to wait and see my need to switch to something stronger.

3 down and 13 to go! I just hope I don't turn "dark red" as I've heard some ladies do!

Who's done the shortened treatment plan

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