Need info on Radiation

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ak818
ak818 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am trying to decide whether or not to go through with radiation treatments.  Anyone have any thing that I should know before I do this?  I don't like some of the side effects I am hearing about. Need advice....

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited September 2010

    HI,

    I finished rad just about 2 years ago.  I was scared to death to start. I did not have chemo, just rads.  I know everyone handles rads differenly, but I have to say, it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  My body handled it very well.  I did 35 treatments and 6 boosts.  I put TONS of lotions on my breast daily, immediatley following rads and then a couple more times during the day. I  did stain my shirts since I put so much on, but that was okay with me.

    Rad do not hurt at all.  They are very quick, as a matter of fact, it took me longer to undress and dress than the entire treatment. You just lay still and they treat you.

    Do you have any specific questions about rads?

    I wish you the best of luck!

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2010

    Rads was the easiest part of my cancer journey.  

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  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited August 2013

    BS gave me the option of mastectomy or lumpectomy with rads., and I'm very happy to have been given that option and chose the former.

    Rads weren't nearly as bad as the emotional stress leading up to starting. I had 30 rad zaps, including 5 boosts, and consider it a good insurance policy. Didn't suffer from fatigue but did get rock lobster red toward the end -- all good now. :)

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  • SJW1
    SJW1 Member Posts: 244
    edited September 2010

    I chose not to have radiation, but then I had low grade DCIS and a low enough score on the Van Nuys Prognostic Index, to feel comfortable about not having it. The options available to you will depend on what your situation is.

    Choosing to have radiation, just like other treat options, is a very personal choice.You need to be comfortable with what ever you decide.

    Feel free to send me a PM if you would like more info.

    Best wishes,

    Sandie

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