Xrays every five rad treatments....why?

cbaird99
cbaird99 Member Posts: 68
edited June 2020 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Does anyone know why they are going to take chest xrays every five treatments during my radiation (to the right side)? I forgot to ask and it is a few days til I see a dr., just curious, is this another thing to worry about??

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  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited March 2015


    Hi cbaird,

    Try not to worry.  I had six weeks of rads and another week of boost treatments, as well as a chest x-ray taken every week when I met with the radiation oncologist.  I know I asked why they were taking them ... but I've completely forgotten.  So I'm afraid I'm not much help.  My treatment was on the left side ... not sure if that played a role in getting the chest x-rays.  I did ask my RO to go over the scans with me every week and to explain the rads fields to me on his fancy computer program.  By the time I was done, the RO was running from me in the halls ... I pestered him about everything.

    Someone will be along soon with the answer to your question.

    Stay close and let us know how you're doing.

    hugs

    Bren

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited March 2015

    I had X-rays every week too. Don't really remember why, seems like something about correct alignment?? With the tats??

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  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited March 2015

    my understanding is that they take the xrays to make sure your mold and measurements are still accurate for treatment.

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited March 2015

    It's not standard of care across the board / meaning - not everyone who has rads has X-rays like this. I'd suggest you call your RO and ask for them to explain to you why this is necessary. It may very well be necessary for you. They should be more than willing to discuss this with you and explain the reason until you understand.

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited March 2015

    I had X-rays every Friday to make sure I was aligned for the treatment. Some people gain or lose weight so they correct the alignment if necessary. Sadly, I wasn't the one to lose any weight.

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  • fizzdon52
    fizzdon52 Member Posts: 568
    edited March 2015

    It's to make sure everything is still aligned correctly. Apparently this treatment can make parts swell so they are constantly checking. I know because I wondered about this too and as my bits moved and I guess swelled up a tiny bit they were always checking alignment. Or something along those lines anyway :) They told me not to worry, some people do swell a bit more than others. It's nice to know they are so on to it I guess.

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  • cbaird99
    cbaird99 Member Posts: 68
    edited March 2015

    Thank you all for this answer, it does make me feel better, wasn't sure if they were checking my bones or what. I started to say, what about the extra radiation? Then, I laughed...not an issue at this point:/

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited March 2015

    Hi Cbaird99:  The x-rays are standard and necessary to ensure that you are properly lined up for the radiation.  They are being precise to ensure that there is minimal radiation scatter and that they are radiating exactly where they plan to.  If you are worried about excess radiation, as I was, I soon found out that given the amount of radiation our treatments were providing, these additional x-rays are almost insignificant.  Made me feel worse and better Singing.  By the way, I had minimal difficulties throughout the treatment.  And I am so glad that treatment is so precise.

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  • striveforhealth
    striveforhealth Member Posts: 121
    edited March 2020

    I'm having x-rays done Thursday prior to my 1st radiation treatment. I'm glad to read a bit here about others whose doctors also used x-rays to ensure proper alignment. My breast cancer is left side and I expressed my concern for collateral damage to heart arteries and lung. My 1st rad is next Monday April 6.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited April 2020

    I had mine every Monday, the same day I saw my RO. It's to check alignment with the markers left in during surgery, and to check for any radiation-related problems in the breast (if I remember correctly). I also got weighed every week. I was gaining throughout radiation, but the nurse and doctor both said it wasn't a problem, but losing weight would be. So eat chocolate!

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  • Floral
    Floral Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2020

    I had weekly X-rays for the stated reason - swelling and alignment, When they first told me I thought, OMG, X-rays once a week, all that radiation!!! Then I realized it would be a drop in the bucket compared to what I was getting daily, so I decided it wasn't my biggest worry.

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