Please explain the "boosts" to me please

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geogal
geogal Member Posts: 29
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I know I should have asked the RO about them more today, but I am just so sick of being there every day that I forgot and just wanted to get out of there.  I did #25 today,  next week I am to start the boosts for five day.  Do the boosts just do the lump area, or the whole breast and boost the lump area.

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  • Megadotz
    Megadotz Member Posts: 302
    edited June 2011

    Hi Geogal,

     The boost is just to the area of the lump - and it's much faster because it's just focused on one area. 

    I had a new planning session with a new tatoo..  When the boost started they had a thick piece of lead with a cut out that limited the radiation to the area of the boost. 

    When I finfished the boost,  I got a "diploma" for finishing my course of treatment.  The boost area got super red, but then  I was done with bein up front and personal with our friend the atom.

    Congrats on seeing the end of radiation in sight.

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  • geogal
    geogal Member Posts: 29
    edited June 2011

    I am NOT getting anymore tatoos!!!!! I hope they realize that???!!!!

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited June 2011

    I did not have to have any more tattoos for boost

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  • Megadotz
    Megadotz Member Posts: 302
    edited June 2011

    All I know is that I got a new tatoo next to the lumpectomy scar for my boost treatment.

    I guess different radiation centers have different procedures.

    Peace

    Meg

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  • NewatThis
    NewatThis Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2011

    Geogal, I started my boosts today.  They started with marking the area--a giant blue-ink circle around my lumpectomy scar (as opposed to the scar from my sentinal node excision).  I really emotionally struggled with the tattoos  (hey, I'm old and tattoos where I came from are kind of barbaric).  Previously, they did a couple tattoos but also marked a few x-spots and put clear tape over them.  Well, within my new blue circle, there are a couple of new x-spots covered in clear tape. They did an xray first, and then did the localized boost.  All told, less than 15 minutes from start to finish.  Tomorrow should be shorter, since they won't have to mark me or take an xray.  Also, I was told to only put lotion outside the circle (I guess to keep the ink from smearing off).  I do 8 days of boosts.  I'm with you. Hang in there. We're close to the end.

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  • desdemona222b
    desdemona222b Member Posts: 776
    edited June 2011

    The boosts weren't bad - they only treat the tumor bed.

    Ladies with tape on your breasts, DO NOT try removing that tape yourself after you're finished.  They should have some kind of solution or something at the rads onc that will dissolve the adhesive and the tape will come off okay, so if they don't offer it on your last visit, ask.  I made the mistake of removing it and my skin came off with it.  Very painful! 

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

    I start my boosts Monday. I was told the first day would take a little longer but after that less than five minutes. Home stretch now; 8 of these babies and done. I am starting to get the RADS rash. Using Aloe Vera. Told not to soak in water. Got the tattoos. Not too bad. Just looking forward to the LAST day. I am going to take candy or one of those edible fruit arrangements to the techs. They have been so awesome. Is anyone having a bone scan after RADS? On Arimidex for 5 years...diane 

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