Simulation Question

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capippy
capippy Member Posts: 27
edited September 2015 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
Simulation Question
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  • capippy
    capippy Member Posts: 27
    edited September 2015

    Hi, I am currently waiting on my oncotype results before moving ahead with treatment; but the clinic called today to come in tomorrow to do the prep for radiation(which I know I'm doing for sure). I was caught off guard when they called and didn't think to ask questions, but I have an important work meeting 90 minutes after my scheduled time.

    How long was your first appointment where they did the tattoos, etc? What do they do that first session? Will I be uncomfortable if I DO make my meeting?

    Thanks!

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  • ORknitter
    ORknitter Member Posts: 119
    edited September 2015

    My simulation took about 40 minutes and was very easy. They did scans, made my "pillow" to be sure I was always in the same position, tattoos, more scans, I chatted a bit with both the nurse and the doc and was done! I could easily have worked right after but happened to be off that day.

    I have 3 tiny, really only dots, on my abdomen beneath my breasts. I was "surprised" when she did them but they were completely painless in minutes (maybe even seconds, I really don't remember). (I don't have any other ones so didn't know what to expect).

    This site is a wonderful resource with many varying experiences.

    Good luck with your journey.

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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited September 2015

    The simulation appointment will likely take at least an hour. You won't feel uncomfortable after, but they might use some sharpie marker on you which you will want to remove before putting on nice clothing. Alcohol pads do the trick

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  • capippy
    capippy Member Posts: 27
    edited September 2015

    Thank you so much! All these new experiences are so much less daunting when you know what to expect! xo

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited September 2015

    I remember some sharpie marks they did not want washed off, but I forget if they were made for the simulation or for the start of treatment. You might want to wear a higher-neck shirt if you don't want the marks to show. Also, I negotiated for fewer tattoos in exchange for not washing off marks during treatment.

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  • Meh527
    Meh527 Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2015

    Neither the radiologist nor the oncologist were real up on recommending either radiology or tamoxifen. This really didn't help my decision-making. They based their recommendations on the size (small) and the results of the oncotype test (28), which placed me at 15% recurrence, 6% invasive) or as she said 85% I won't get it. Okay, but I'm thinking the odds were less before I got DCIS, yet I had it. Room with 100 women,15 lucky winners - no thanks.

    I saw both the same day. Was pretty sure I didn't want the pills, but I wanted to make sure every micro of cancer was dead. Within a week I of those first visits, I was to see the radiologist for my final decision. In the meantime, I had a mammogram and was told everything was fine before I left. However, either a closer look or a computer second look is showing some possible calcification and other abnormalities and she was okay with my rationale and decision (I was also encouraged by some studies in other countries that showed positive results for aggressive treatment of DCIS that was passed on by a member here).

    That same day, I was tattooed. Was scheduled for trial run within a week, the day after the results of genetic testing is due. She told me it's possible, based on the results and despite small size and oncotype number (which is low risk for non invasive), a mastectomy may be in order. I go tomorrow for consult and the next day for the dry run.

    Initial consult, follow-up mammogram, mapping and tattoo, genetics, dry run happened within two weeks. Scheduled to start radiation, depending on genetics, Monday.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited September 2015
    My simulation took perhaps 40 minutes. It was not uncomfortable and I DID work afterwards. I did not have tattoos; we agreed ahead of time on stickers that would remain in place during treatment.

    You may want to take quick snaps of the Sharpie marks on your body after the session, as these will show you where you need to moisturize. Stay RT before radiation and your skin will thank you.

    Each center does things a little differently but I sincerely doubt you'll be unable to go to work after. The advice to wear a higher necked blouse is spot on.
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