Proton Therapy

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jodyz
jodyz Member Posts: 4
edited July 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Is anyone else having radiation via proton therapy?  I am scheduled to start tomorrow and was wondering if anyone has any experience to share.  

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  • Shira
    Shira Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2013


    Hi Jodyz,


    I haven't done it and you wrote this post a while ago, but I just read about Proton today. Have you been doing it? Do they often do it for breast cancer? Any thoughts would be great.


    Shira

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2013


    Hi I'm starting proton radiation on nov 18 at procure in somerset.I have left breast ca and with tradiational radiation it can damage the heart,proton therapy is very target based.I really don't know what to expect,a fellow patient just finished hers and was quite happy with her treatment,though she did have a pretty bad burn and some problems with swallowing.Anyone else staring soon? Angela

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  • manksy
    manksy Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2013


    Sorry--only just saw this now. I did proton and would be happy to talk. But hopefully by now you are done and recovering.

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited November 2013


    Hi Manksy,Well started proton therapy on Thursday and it takes a very long time,they are always at least 30mins behind and today I spent 2 hours in the cast on the table, unable to move. My butt was totally numb and I was very uncomfortable and stressed.Is this the norm? I'm not sure I can handle another 33 days. My margin was within 1mm so I need 2 extra boost days.I understand the process is so precise and very new but hours on a slab? I don't know if I'm up for this. Tell me it will get better. Angela

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  • Girlstrong
    Girlstrong Member Posts: 438
    edited December 2013

    I am meeting with a RO in the next week or so and i am wondering if I am a candidate for proton therapy?  Anyone on this thread....How do your RO decide to do proton therapy vs. other types of radiation?  I am planning surgery in January and then rads in late Feb or so.  Any info would be appreciated.

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  • agness
    agness Member Posts: 576
    edited July 2014

    I'm considering proton therapy. I just met with an RO at Seattle Cancer Care yesterday to discuss my treatment options. I have an enlarged node behind my breastbone, so right next to the heart. Neoadjuvent chemo reduced its size but it is still right next to the heart and the only proposed treatment is radiation therapy. Since I am HER2+ and herceptin already puts a strain on the heart muscle, I don't wish to compound the damage by dosing the heart with radiation.

    Fingers crossed that when I'm mapped out that it still looks good.

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