Anyone have boosts at same time as whole breast?

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Jennt28
Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

My RO has given an option of what she wrote down as SIB irradiation and I can't seem to find much info about it. Essentially instead of having the 28 whole breast and then the 5 boosts afterwards they plan the treatments so that each is whole breast with an extra zap to the boost area at the same time.



This cuts down the number of days for tx to 28 and she said its radiobiologically equivalent to the other way, but I'm concerned to find out if this would give worse cosmetic outcome or worse effects during the process...



Anyone else given this option?



Jenn

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited January 2012

    I haven't heard of this option but like you, I'd be concerned about whether my skin would be more irritated. FWIW, my RO gave me a short break between my full breast rads and the boost, so that my skin would heal and so I could regain some energy. (the fatigue did come the final weeks) I'd be curious if there are studies that prove the long term results are just as effective. You know how it is in medicine. Occasionally things sound good in theory but in practice, well, not so much.

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited January 2012

    I had the "whole breast" first, and then the boosts............the method your Dr. is suggesting, was never offered, or mentioned to me............be careful............the way they did mine worked.  What is it they say "if it isn't broke, don't fix it".

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited January 2012

    I gather it is a new way using the new type of machine. I finally found a couple of papers on it and it actually looks like a good option. I'm thinking it will be the way I go.



    Thanks for your replies :-) Jenn

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  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited January 2012

    I am doing the final boosts together with the final 5 whole breast tx.  I have to go twice though with 6 hours inbetween, so probably not the same as you are being offered.

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited January 2012

    Can you post those papers and what hospital you go to?  What kind of machine is it.  I am not sure what my rads process will be, I am not quite half way through chemo, but I would be interested in any info you have :)  Thanks

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  • Judy2013
    Judy2013 Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2012

    I will be doing 25 whole-breast, followed by 5 boosts.  I would also be skeptical of doing them at the same time, especially if you can't find any info about the benefits or long-term results.

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited February 2012

    Sorry for the delay in getting back on this. I found this paper which actually makes me feel ok with this new method... http://home.kpn.nl/laan0739/papers/2011RO100p215.pdf



    regards Jenn

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited July 2012

    Just want to check in and say that I'm now 9 days into the 28 days of rads with concurrent boost. There are two extra angles to my treatment each day that are quick zaps for the boost.



    No major signs of any problems yet although my skin is getting pretty sensitive...



    Jenn

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