radiation set up 10 days before treatment?

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fac03
fac03 Member Posts: 91
edited December 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have the lumpectomy done on 11/11 and met with a RO on Tuesday. I will leave for a vacation between 11/22 to 11/29. Therefore, I suspect the radiation will begin on 11/30. However, my RO asked me to go back on 11/20 to have something in preparation of the radiation (a simulation??), she mentioned putting a marker on my body (the breast area) and asked me whether I would go into the pool during my vacation. (no I won't). From what I read, I thought it is like a permanent marker, why did she ask me about whether I get into the pool?

I suspect the marker is for the machine to deliver the radiation, right? What other things I need to be concerned about in reference to the setup procedure? Is it normal to have the setup done more than a week prior to treatment?

I have found some information about the simulation here, but looking for actual experience.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/sibley-memorial-hospital/patient-care/specialty/cancer/treatment/radiation-oncology/radiation-therapy-simulation.html

I have been reading about the side effect of radiation, therefore the side effect is not my concern at this point.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited December 2019

    My setup was about a week or so before my sessions started. Some places do sharpie marks with clear tape, and some do tiny tattoo dots. The pool question might be because of the chlorine affecting whatever way they mark you. Other than that, the set-up is mostly tedious, since it's to get every possible angle for the beams. In the time between the set-up session and the regular sessions, the radiologist will feed all your angle measurements and other pertinent info into their computer. At the actual sessions, I had thin green laser beams criss-crossing me, and the techs would line me up so the beams crossed at the points where the sharpie marks were.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited December 2019

    Yeah--the setup for me was getting scanned and taking pictures and getting some small blue dot tattoos (which I can no longer see). It's actually really important to get the mapping done accurately--you'll see at your radiation appointments that most of the time is getting you in the right position. The actual zapping only takes a few seconds. They also drew on me with markers about once a week through treatment to help them position the machines. That's why I recommend women not get new bras to wear during rads--they'll likely get stained. New bras are a nice treat after you're finished!

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited December 2019

    My first rads I got permanent dots. 2nd time they used sharpies on stickers. Told me to use my hand to wash that area, no scrubbing. Takes a week or so to calibrate the machine to the marks. Then as has been said, it takes a few minutes to get in proper position.

    Ask your RO about skin care. Each has their favorites.

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  • DorothyB
    DorothyB Member Posts: 305
    edited December 2019

    My set up was several days before my first treatment.

    Staring now, work on raising your arm above your head while lying in bed without a pillow. Try to keep those muscles stretched out.

    Also start lubricating the entire breast area including under arm. I really think this plus drinking LOTS of water were the keys to me not burning. When they do simulation, ask where the radiation goes in and where it comes out to be sure you are lubricating enough of the area.

    I had 4 (?) itty bitty tiny spot tattoos and also some permanent marker covered with clear tape put on during my simulation. Simulation and the first couple of treatments were surprisingly emotional for me so you might want to have someone bring you & pick you up (simulation takes a long time) or have someone available when you leave.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2019

    Agreed, my set up was more than a week before my treatment. The measurements & perhaps making a mold to hold you still & calibration do take a lot of time. Once the treatments start, it takes more time to change your clothes than for the 'zap'.

    Everyone is different. I definitely didn't want anyone with me through any of my treatments. I didn't want to have to make small talk. Just took a book and dived into a story to while away the time.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited December 2019

    Each facility is different. My mom's place had the torso and arm mold, but mine just used a large ring to hold onto above my head.

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