Prone Position & Shorter Course of Treatments

If you have large breasts - go for it. My onc couldn't be bothered setting me up in the prone position (left breast also) and I ended up with considerable breakdown of the skin in the crease under the breast. She tried to explain it away by saying it was from rubbing skin on skin - but not right in the crease in my opinion. The nurse said it was because the radiation was going through 2 layers of skin and it often happens in men in the fold of skin in the groin area too. Anyway, if you have the option - take it. Not sure about the increased dosage though.

Yes, I am half way through the shorter course and I am having my treatments in the prone position. I looked over the research and the outcome was about the same for longer vs shorter course of treatment.Shorter course is more commonly used in Europe and Canada. Prone position radiates less of lungs and heart. The prone position however is usually best suited for women who have a C Cup bra or larger.Hope this helps.

Hugs, K

I can honestly say that the rads weren't as awful as I'd read about from other's posts -- the absolutely hardest part for me was just turning my brain off and taking the zaps. It's freaky when you begin the process, but you have to just get through it one day at a time, then oddly it actually starts to feel like a regular routine. I never felt exhaustingly fatigued, but did feel what I'd term a "wave of wooziness' late in the day starting about 1/2 way through; it would pass after a few minutes.  I opted to go bra-less whenever possible, so that posed some challenges for working and exercising. I also wore stickers instead of getting tattooed, so was very careful about not getting my markings or stickers wet (one of the first things I did when I was done with all treatments was enjoy a nice long bath). 

Skin held up well until that last week, then I did get lobster red, but just kept going. Radiation is a cumulative thing and my skin got ugly dirty color for a good two weeks after being done and than bounced back quickly. Definitely drink lots of water and apply whatever lotion/moisturizer your place recommends 2-3 times a day but never with less than 4 hours before a zap session (think of baby oil magnifying sun exposure).  I'm now about a month out and only a teeny tan line still exists, for the most part, entire area looks the same as before I began rads. Lumpectomy and rads. was definitely a better choice for me than mastectomy, and I am so thankful to have had the option.

Good luck and you'll be just fine.

I have nine radiation treatments left. Loving the long holiday weekend break. My skin is probably doing the same. I am pink and the nipple area is sensitive, otherwise they tell me that my skin condition is good. I have had some swelling of the affected arm and breast; I asked for a physical therapy referral . I will be scheduled next week for an evaluation with the lymphedema specialist.. The amount of swelling in the breast is pretty obvious with the arm swelling, less so but irritating late in the day when my rings get tight and I can't stand anything on my left arm. Otherwise, I am feeling good, doing my yoga and stretch DVD's that seem to make the discomfort less under the arm.My energy level is good. My husband says he thinks it actually increased since the surgery.

I have been either wearing a camisole or sports bra. On some days, the nipple area is too sensitve for the compression of  the sports bra. It feels like the soreness of my nipples when I first breast fed my first child (ouch). Can't wait to finish rads and get back to a more normal schedule (I have to get up two hours earlier than normal to get to my radiation appts before I go off to work) and my underwire bra. Just don't feel as put -together in office clothes without a good supporting bra for my D-cup girls.

Best of luck with your rads. Have a great holiday weekend.

K