Shorter Radiation Duration Treatment vs. 6 week Treatment

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zivagirl
zivagirl Member Posts: 25
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Has anyone completed the shorter radiation 3 week treatment?   Curious to know if anyone was able to continue their daily work schedule while undergoing the shorter treatment duration and the positive/negative reactions to the shorter treatment time.

If so, please share your experience and whether or not you would choose that option again.

Thanks!

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  • BarbaraA
    BarbaraA Member Posts: 7,378
    edited August 2010

    I did the Canadian protocol and had a 7:45 AM rads appointment. Didn't miss a day of work but my job involves travel and I couldn't for 3-1/2 weeks. All in all it was very doable. You will get fatigued but do your supplements and take naps.

    I would totally do it again. In fact, if I could have done Mammosite, I would have done that.

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  • phxsunshine
    phxsunshine Member Posts: 242
    edited August 2010

    I'm 1/3 through the Canadian protocol as of this morning.  I am having only a slight skin reaction so far, no biggie.  I'm eating as healthy as I can and drinking lots of water.  My schedule is: I get up around 5 and,  at 8, I leave the house for the 30 min drive to rads, and home again.  The zapping takes all of 15 mins before I'm dressed and out the door.  Somewhere around 11-12 I get really tired and take a 90 minute to 2 hour nap, and then I'm good to go until 9 or 10.  I don't work outside the home, but I'm glad that I'll be all done with the radiation and 5 boosts in only 21 days.  I would have had the Mammosite too, but my cancer was too near my chest wall and I didn't have enough of a tissue cushion to allow it.

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  • MagPag
    MagPag Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2010

    Hi,  I finished the Canadian protocol two weeks ago.  I'm glad I chose it, 21 days total 16 regular and 5 boosts.  I worked through the treatments and went on my lunch hour.  My skin and energy were good until right at then end and after.  Both peaked last week and I was glad I took two weeks post rads off to rest and care for the raw area under my arm.

    The skin issues are resolving really quickly, it's amazing how your body heals.  Still tired, but feel more energy every day. 

    Regardless of which protocol you choose eat plenty of protein and drink a ton of water.  Good luck with your decision and treatment.

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  • zivagirl
    zivagirl Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2010

    MagPag,

    I will be getting treatment at the University of Chicago.  I see you are located in Chicago; where may I ask did you receive your treatment and were you pleased with the facility?

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  • MagPag
    MagPag Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2010

    Hi Zivagirl,  I had my initial Lumpectomy in the burbs because my doctor and surgeon were 100% sure my growth was B9.  So I sought other opinions given the shock, and since we have access to so many excellent university hospitals.  I decided on Northwestern/Prentice.  I thought about U of C and Rush, as well.  In the end it's all about where you feel comfortable and have a good connection with the docs.  Also if you're going to be having rads, it has to be convenient.   Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.  Happy to try to help.

    Take care.  Donna.

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