Question for those of you who have already done rads

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MariannaLaFrance
MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

What is the normal procedure for a 6 week course of radiation? Just trying to prepare myself for this. I get surgery tomorrow, and I am hoping to get clear margins from that excision. Once I am done with that, I am supposed to do 6 weeks of radiation. I want to hear your experiences, thoughts and input on how best to deal with the radiation treatment.

Thanks in advance.

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

    I had 7 wks and the only thing I did different was re-arrange my work schedule so that I left work in the late afternoon, went to treatment then I could go straight home...after about wk 3 the fatigue set in so I was very thankful that I was able to head straight home. I also tried to eat good and drank tons of liquids. I wore plain white mens cotton tee shirts under my blouses and sweaters once I couldnt wear a bra.

    and beware-after the 6 wks are over you have a crash and burn...I wasnt warned of this and I thought I had lost my mind when I felt desolate and alone after my last rad treatment. It felt like all of a sudden I was cut loose to fend for myself and I was still scared and didnt know where to turn.

    This site and the ladies here are what got me through...keep asking questions and seeking advice here as you will always get the real side of the story from those of us who have been before you.

    Hugs

    Jule

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  • MEG54
    MEG54 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2010

    MariannaHB:

    I did six and half weeks of radiation: you will start with one or two visits where the doc will plan your treatment, do some x rays and mark/tatto0 the areas for the technicians...(no worries: it doesn't show!) once you start it is really routine: go every day (weekends off); get your treatment and go on...I was usually in the office no longer than 30 minutes, start to finish.

    My doctor did blood counts once or twice. I saw her once a week; she examined me, checked my skin, etc.

    You will probably begin to feel tired a few weeks into it: Jule is right: drink plenty of water and eat healthy food.  Be faithful in using the cream that the doctor gives you, even before you start getting red. It really will help.

    Odd as it sounds, I missed my rad oncologist a lot more than I missed my chemo team when the treatment was over..I guess seeing them every day made the difference. They were great: considerate, attentive, positive...

    Good thoughts to you

    meg

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  • AuroraL
    AuroraL Member Posts: 33
    edited February 2010

    I did mine first thing in the morning--8am.  In and out pretty quickly.  I am not fair-skinned, not exactly olive, and had no burning at all.  I put the aloe vera gel on daily but honestly didn't really feel like I needed to.  I felt maybe a little tired, but not much at all.  I kept up my normal part-time work schedule and yoga and walking.  I got a "mild tan" on the radiated area, and I still have a little breast pain--don't know whether that is attributable to the radiation or to the 2 lumpectomies (for clear margins.)  Good luck!  I completed my rads in April of 09. 

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  • peshoo
    peshoo Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2010

    Hi, I just joined today and saw your question.

    I went through 21 sessions of radiation recently and my last day was on Feb 2nd 2010. My experience was not very pleasant. I was red and sore a week and a half in to my radiation and I have been really burnt with blisters since my last day of radiation. My doctor warned me that the side effects really kick in 2 weeks after my last day which was correct!!

     I chose not to work during radiation treatment as it took up alot of my time, almost half of my day and now I am burnt and mainly stay at home, and as the others mentioned I started to feel tired 2-3 weeks in to the treatment.

    A nurse has been coming to my house everyday to monitor me and change my dressing. I visit the doctor once a week as well. I initially applied alot of moisturizer but then had to use Flamazin which is an antibiotic cream. The nurse also applies Jelonet pads which are paraffin gauzes on my blisters which really helps.

    Hope this helps you and Good Luck ;-)

    Anahita

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  • sharonw
    sharonw Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2010

    check out the thread on prone radiation positons and 15 treatments - newest research supports the accelerated 15 treatments (3 weeks) over the "standard"  33 or more - I did the 15 two years ago - no burning and doing great - you owe it to yourself to research this rads option - I'm so glad I did!

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