Confused about my radiation treatment.

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I started my radiation treatment yesterday. I was told my heart and lungs would be protected because of the planning and set up they do. I have not even seen the radiologist since my original consultation in the begining of November. Why is the technician asking me to turn my heard to the right to get my esophagus out of the field? If this is so precise as they say, then why is my throat in the way? It's not near my breast! I have no one there to answer my basic questions, such as what cream to use, except a for a nurse who I am obviously annoying. A co-worker of mine said her radiologist made a mold of her body and they measure her breathing and heart movement during her treatment. Her doctor is always available. I have been laying on a table with my head turned. I thought I was going to a reliable doctor, but now I am concerned after the way I am being treated. Is this normal?

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited January 2010

    That does not sound right.  If I were you I would not ask but DEMAND to see the doctor... Ask him why you didn't have a scan and get a body mold made so you are laying the same exact way every time!   If the doctor wont see you .... go somewhere else.  YOU are paying HIM.... you should have your questions answered and feel comfortable with your treatment.  You should definitely see your radiation onc.  once a week and should beable to see him any time if you ask to.   Wishing you peace and health..  Tami

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    I know they said it took a week to "plan" it, and I think they did do scanning to see where my heart and lungs were, but no body mold. Is a body mold the norm? What about having to turn my head to the right? Why would my throat be in the way.

    Thank you so much for your advice. I'm really scared with this whole thing and I don't want to over react. But something is not feeling right.

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  • mke
    mke Member Posts: 584
    edited January 2010

    Well you certainly should get some answers.  I don't know that a body mold is the norm, I think positioning tattoos are more common.   I would guess that they want you to turn your head because of the angle of the beam, you are maybe having a couple of zaps from different angles.  You should have an appointment with your radiation oncologist after a week or so of treatments, if you aren't ask why not, even if it irritates the nurse.

    Use Glaxal Base, the kind without added vitamin E and put it on right after your treatment.

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  • hobie644
    hobie644 Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2010

    I think the mold is only used when you need to lie at a certain angle; otherwise it's not used if you can lie flat on your back. I went through rads recently and I didn't have a mold, but this lady who had her treatment before me did.   I was scheduled to see my radiation oncologist once a week, but I could see  him anytime if I needed to.     

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  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 386
    edited January 2010

    Sue, I didn't have a mold, and like hobie, I saw my rad onc. 1 x a week.  My rad techs were wonderful people, and if I had a question or a problem, they would find my rad onc for me on that day. 

    Tell your rad techs that you are having some anxiety about the radiation treatment and ask them to get you 10 minutes with your rad onc, then ask him/her help you understand exactly what is going on when you are positioned the way you are etc.  

    Remember that the reason for the planning in the first place is because they want to develop a customized field specifically for you.  Add to this that there are different types of radiation delivery machines (LINAC, TOMO) etc. that could have some variation involved as well. Everything from the way you lay on the table to whether or not you have a mold or even the size of bumper you have under your knees (if at all) is determined by where your cancer was, and what they are trying to do with the radiation (whole breast radiation vs. boost, vs. other uses).  

    I hope you are able to talk with your doc very soon.  Really, tell them you are having great anxiety about it, and that will generally get you time with the doc.  

    My best,  Barbie

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