question about rads??

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pbgirl
pbgirl Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I just saw my Radiologist and he said I will be getting 3 weeks of radiation (Only) at a slightly higher dose.  He says the side effects are less with the shorter time.  Does anyone have experience with this?  Thanks for the input.

Blessings and good health 

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  • texaslonghorn31
    texaslonghorn31 Member Posts: 65
    edited April 2011

    I did RADS for 33 sessions following a lumpectomy. I don't know if doing less sessions at a higher dose has different side effects or not. I have learned that RADS can affect people different and make sure to do your research on possible side effects from RADS. I have had several that no one told me about! I would ask your dr if by doing a higher dose you will have more of a radiation burn than you would by doing more sessions with a smaller dose. I know I got pretty crispy on my breast during my RADS! Good luck to you!!

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  • Sherbear
    Sherbear Member Posts: 215
    edited April 2011

    I was supposed to do 20 sessions, but my RO added 10 to it and told me that it's probably better for me and my skin as they wouldn't be as strong.  All around, it would add up to the same amount of radiation.  23 sessions in my RO stopped and gave me a break as my skin was getting pretty pink and I'm lucky he did as aside from a few days of armpit pain (felt like a bad sunburn), my skin stayed intact, no blisters or crispy skin.  Everyone is different though.  

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  • hdangelbaby
    hdangelbaby Member Posts: 731
    edited April 2011

    I have read that radiation is based alot on body mass. so if you are a very petite person, you may get less than someone who isn't as petite.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    I had 16 (42 Gy) + 4 booster shots after lumpectomy and chemo.  Cannot say that SEs were too bad, except for fatigue.  No burned skin either, was using the Calendula homeo cream.  From what I'm reading that's what they're leaning to, fewer rounds, higher rads.  Ask your doctor about pneumonitis as SE.  I developed mild pneumonitis which they are not treating.

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited April 2011

    It's true... size matters. I was weighed once a week during rads. If I had gained or lost much weight things would have had to be recalculated. 

    I did develop a little nagging cough half way through rads. My RO said it had nothing to do with radiation therapy. Funny thing, it went away within a few days of the end of my 36 treatments. :) 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2011

    Soounds scary to me how treatments differ with you guys in the US and here in Cnda.  I was never weighed during my rads !!!!   Frown

    I think you have a much better system.  Was extremely impressed with the care my brother who lives in Boston got when he underwent triple by-pass

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited April 2011

    Well if the no of treatments is based on your size I am ticked. I am a small person and I still have to have 31 treatments. I had the oncotype test and my score was 11 with a non-aggressive cancer. My cancer became Stage II however when a micromet appeared in the SN - maybe that's the reason I am having so many treatments since my onc said I didnt need chemo.

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