Meeting with Radiologist

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swanseagirl
swanseagirl Member Posts: 393
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am meeting my radiologist for the first time tomorrow.  I am not really sure what questions to ask.  I know I will start rads after chemo.  I'm meeting my ONC on Monday.  I haven't a clue what to ask, what to expect.

I will be having radiation to my breast and lymph nodes.

HELP! I feel stupid.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited June 2010

    I think you will just be meeting the team and they will be reviewing the whole process with you.  So more a case of listening.

    Radiation is a lot more standard than chemo, so none of those decisions.  That is, radiation oncologist recommends, techs execute, and you show up.

    I think you will walk out with a rough timetable and what to expect. 

    Just so you know, I found radiation a piece of cake compared to chemo.  Just use that aloe gel.  Good luck.

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited June 2010

    I think you will just be meeting the team and they will be reviewing the whole process with you.  So more a case of listening.

    Radiation is a lot more standard than chemo, so none of those decisions.  That is, radiation oncologist recommends, techs execute, and you show up.

    I think you will walk out with a rough timetable and what to expect. 

    Just so you know, I found radiation a piece of cake compared to chemo.  Just use that aloe gel.  Good luck.

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  • swanseagirl
    swanseagirl Member Posts: 393
    edited June 2010

    Claire,

    THANKS!!!!  What would I do without you.  LOL

    Any advise on the chemo?

    Hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited June 2010

    Things that helped me with chemo.   (And my only post is about the little things.)

    1. I went the exercise route.  And I think that made a major difference.  Will send you the Livestrong link in a second.
    2. I tried to eat a healthy diet and got tons of fruits and veggies.  Also a lot more protein, as my body didn't have energy reserves.
    3. I got into a clinical trial.  It meant more chemo, but a statistically significant survival benefit, and I get a lot more attention and monitoring.

    As for your conversation with your medical oncologist.  He or she will recommend a course of treatment based on the characteristics of your tumor, your general health, and lymph node status.  You will probably get something stronger as you have lymph node involvement.  So you are most likely a "high risk patient".  Not to panic, but it does translate into "needing more and not less".

    Everyone will monitor you closely during treatment and most of us do just fine.  Hair loss is a bummer, but a male friend of mine set me straight.  He told me that "unlike his.....".

    The hardest is saying "I have to do this".  Once you have crossed that bridge, the rest is a lot easier.

    I was given a couple of treatment options, but since both were kick-butt, I chose the study.  With Grade 1, you will most likely not need anything as severe.

    I prepared for chemo by trying to get as physically strong as I could following surgery.  I think that helped.  It also kept weight off and I emerged with most of my strength intact.  This was important.

    Here is the article.  Make sure you look at the Melinda Irwin video on YouTube. - Claire

    http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9652-Seattle-Endurance-Sports-Examiner~y2010m6d15-Woman-ready-for-LIVESTRONG-Challenge-just-weeks-after-ending-cancer-treatment

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