Daily xrays vs weekly

Options

Hi,

I had my simulation last week and asked the technician about the xrays. She said the doctor had ordered them for daily. I'll see him next Monday so will inquire about that.

For those who had daily xrays, why did it need to be daily vs weekly? I know I'll be getting a good amount of radiation in me through the therapy, but I'd like to not get more than I have to.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Unbreakable01
    Unbreakable01 Member Posts: 153
    edited October 2016

    Hi Kayb,

    Thank you for the information. I'm ok with the daily radiation. However, after each session they want to do an xray to make sure everything is lined up where it's supposed to, I'm assuming a chest xray. I was just wondering about having 33 xrays vs. 6 if I did them weekly.

  • etnasgrl
    etnasgrl Member Posts: 650
    edited October 2016

    So in other words, they want to give you your daily dose of radiation AND THEN do an X-ray?

    I've never heard of that before. When I did radiation, I never got an X-ray, just the daily dose and that was it.
    Hopefully, someone will come along soon with some knowledge of what you're talking about and can help.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited October 2016

    I have never heard of an x-Ray after each rads tx either. Were you marked, via tattoo, sharpie, iodine etc. during the simulation? Those markings are what are used to line you up before each treatment.

  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited October 2016

    I had a chest x-ray before every single treatment, after I was all lined up and arranged on the treatment table. I specifically asked about it, and the RO said it was to be certain everything was targeted perfectly. With the exactness that's required to hit the field and avoid the heart and lungs as much as possible, it was necessary.

    That being said, one chest x-ray provides as much radiation as a transcontinental airplane ride. It's a very small amount, since the chest has a lot of air and few dense bony structures. My son, the radiologist (said with a ridiculous amount of pride) assured me that the daily chest x-rays were worth it to make sure the radiation field was perfect.

    I know where you're coming from, though--even now, I'm phobic about unnecessary, "routine" x-rays, particularly to my chest.

  • LifeAloft
    LifeAloft Member Posts: 150
    edited October 2016

    I am also having an X-ray before each treatment after I'm all lined up, etc.

    Last one tomorrow!!! Woohoo!!!

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited October 2016

    I had weekly x-rays, but my sister had daily - we were both Stage 3 if that makes any difference.


  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2016

    I get at least 2 X-rays daily. They make sure that I'm in the exact same position as the simulation. If not, the techs move me a little, and then take another X-ray. I do have tattoos and marked lines, but sometimes my shoulder needs to be moved or my torso/hip needs a slight rotation.

    My RO said the amount of radiation from the X-rays compared to actual treatment is negligible. The benefit is that the treatment is targeted with better precision.

  • Unbreakable01
    Unbreakable01 Member Posts: 153
    edited October 2016

    Lufealoft early congrats on having your last treatment tomorrow! How was it overall for you?

    Sbelizabeth thanks for the information. My sister was worried about the amount of radiation from the xray, but it's hood to know it's minimal. My dentist loves taking x rays each time I go for a cleaning, but I told them no at my last appointment. They have images from 6 months ago. :)

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
    edited October 2016

    Ladies, there are several videos about radiation therapy you should see. Daily vs weekly seem to be an RO preference. If they use the molds they don't need to use the Xrays. Anyway, I think that we should not be exposed to more radiation than necessary. The ROs, when they plan the treatment, they use the lifetime dosage in the breast area. I hope they are considering all irradiation sources we must face in our cancer site after RT is finished. We do not need to come back with a secondary cancer because we got too much irradiation or our organism is too sensitive to RT.

    Maria

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2016

    Maria - I used molds and had daily X-rays. The mold stopped just above my shoulders, and my hip/torso usually needed adjustments.

  • Unbreakable01
    Unbreakable01 Member Posts: 153
    edited November 2016

    Maria I have the mold too but have daily xrays

  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited November 2016

    I wondered whether or not it has anything to do with the side of radiation. But reviewing the women's experiences above flies in the face of that theory! I had daily xrays also and often was repositioned before receiving radiation. I was also tattooed. I expressed concern also and was advised that daily xrays do not even register against rads. Realizing how strong our rads are scared me then more than ever! But given my rads were to my left side and how often I was repositioned made me thankful for this level of precision now offered to radiation patients. Imagine several zaps hitting the heart or lung instead. That is what they are avoiding and although we all want to avoid more radiation, permanent lung or heart damage may be the result. Now, almost three years later, I seldom think about radiation and have no apparent SE yet. Good luck everyone.

Categories