Left breast radiation laying on your stomach?

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jessie123
jessie123 Member Posts: 532
edited February 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

The center that I plan to use for radiation will have me on my stomach with (I guess) my breast hanging down like it did during the breast MRI. It is supposed to protect the heart and lungs. Has anyone had radiation laying on your stomach?

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited February 2019

    Hi there Jessie. Yes, my radiation was lying on my stomach, in what the RO called the prone position. It was pretty easy for me after the initial (longer) session to set up the angle of the machines and get tattoos. Plus I felt less exposed and more comfortable. Happy to answer any questions.


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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2019

    Thanks Georgia ---- How long were your sessions? I read that people have to hold their breath --- is that needed in the prone position? The prone position is supposed to protect your heart and lungs -- isn't it. I've started reading the radiation page since I've again changed my mind and decided to have a lumpectomy. Anyway, there are some scary stories there, but my husband had TONS of radiation when he was terminal -- the radiation reduced the tumors on his spine. It didn't seem to bother him much. Do you put your breast through a hole like the MRI. Do you know the statistics on the prone position regarding side effects and long term damage?

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited February 2019

    I didn’t lay on my stomach and my BC was in my left breast. That was in 2011 - maybe they do it differently now.

    Diane

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2019

    Yes Diane --- I read about it online and called my radiation facility. They don't have the entire table, but they have some type of equipment for left breasted women that allows you to lay on your stomach.

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  • Veeder14
    Veeder14 Member Posts: 880
    edited February 2019

    Hi Jessie123,

    I also was in the prone position. My RO set up the simulation for both prone and laying on my back, and determined the prone position would best protect my heart and lungs. Yes, the breast that is getting the radiation is hanging through a hole and the one that isn't, is against the table and protected from the beams. The only difficult part for me was that I have back and neck issues so being on my stomach daily, a position I usually avoid, was quite painful. Most treatments were short, just a couple of minutes. There was no need for me to hold my breath.

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  • jessie123
    jessie123 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2019

    Oh thank you veeder --- I also have cervical disc problems and can in no way turn my head to the side of the table. I almost didn't do the MRI because of that fear -- but on the MRI you don't have to turn your head so it wasn't bad.

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  • SavingGrace
    SavingGrace Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2019

    Hi Jessie 123,

    I am scheduled to start radiation next week, and I will be in prone position on a "prone breast board." I heard with a newer board you won't have to turn your head, but for my treatments the older type is used so I still will have to. Gated breathing is not needed in my case, because gravity already pulls the treatment site down. As far as risks, they are individualized depending upon a number of factors. See if you could meet with a RO to discuss before you make a decision.

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  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited February 2019

    Hi Jessie123... I did 15 out of my 20 rads treatments on my stomach. It was awkward climbing on and off the table, but doable. My face rested in a cradle like a massage table, and my hands stretched forward and held onto handles- kind of a modified Superman pose. I didn’t have to hold my breath. It took the techs a minute or two to line me up, and then each “zap” was only 10-15 seconds long. Not only was my tumor on the left side, it was adjacent to (but not attached to) my chest wall. I was happy to do as much as I could to reduce the risk of future side effects. Good luck!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited February 2019

    I was treated in prone position even for my right breast. I didn't have issues with the position and it was straight up and down basically for the regular treatment. It was 'twisty' for the boosts.

    The simulation process is designed to figure out exact positioning, not only for what works for the lasers but what is doable for your body. I'd just say, take Advil or Aleve or something before simulation and before the first day of radiation. Those are the times you're going to be in a funny position the longest. I read the suggestion and forgot about it the morning of, and regretted it!

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