Starting Radiation December 2019

Why are you not able to get a good treatment plan for some women? Do you mind sharing what some of the impediments to creating a good treatment plan? I am more curious that most, and my RO has been very reticent about sharing info. The therapist indicates that there are collators (sp) used to prevent heart and lung damage by blocking certain structures. Also, Since I have had a mastectomy and have little breast tissue left, I am concerned about skin burning and peeling. Also they are hitting my axilla, with therapy. My nodes were negative but my superior margin wasn't clear, had dcis. I am having 30 visits. not sure why. Sorry to be bending your ear lol. I am 69 if that makes a difference, think it probably does

2_good_gourdz A fellow Dec 26th starter! How are your treatments going so far? For me the itchiness has subsided. I notice swelling in the tissues in my chest causing some tightness and uncomfortableness but other than that so far so good. Oddly the spot that hurts must is my left back just behind my armpit. No idea why - they are treating left side but not the armpit.

Hiw awful regarding the woman at your appointment today with the open sore. Let's hope we both avoid that fate!

Well, I don't blame you for not wanting to use the second opinion radiologist. Not good at all. Not addressing the proton in the first clinical notes and then blocking you after she added them. Bad, bad news, I would think.

REDHEAD403 I'm happy to answer your question, I'm not a doctor I'm a certified medical dosimetrist. We take the doctors prescription for XRT and design it to give the maximum dose to tumor (or in breasts case tumor bed) with the least dose to organs in the area.

To answer your question about treatment plans, I was referring to the hypo-fractionated plans. We are limited a lot more by the maximum hot spot for those plans because the dose is so much more per day. If we can't reach those goals we don't do it. We always get a good plan!

My guess as to the reason your doctor isn't offering hypo-fractionation is that you had a mastectomy with reconstruction. You are correct you don't have much tissue and in order to reduce the damage to your skin your doctor is giving you conventional fractionation. With the information you've given me your doctor is doing the right thing.

Hi tldougan,

I’ll cross my fingers for you and hope it’s not to bumpy.

I had 11 of 20 today. 15 regular and five boosts. My nipple is red and sensitive and my boosts next week will go directly to nipple. Rad tech told me today they will be paying close attention to it. I’m a bit tired and was a little weepy yesterday, but halfway done so that’s good. Wishing all December’s speedy treatments and healing.

redhead, I'm so happy to hear this. What excellent, excellent information.

Hi MikaMika

My report from my CT scan said the lymph nodes looked normal so they do look for that. Also that my lungs were clear, thyroid looked normal and other organs looked okay, so they do look for things like that. Mine was done at the local hospital and I got the report from the patient portal. I don't think they can detect cording but I am not sure - in any case it was not mentioned. I could feel the beginning of cording in my underarm after surgery but it went away with my stretching exercises. It felt like a wire in the armpit and they breast surgeon said to press on it while doing the stretching.

- M

MikaMika

The CT was done Dec 30 without contrast as preparation for radiation mapping (the report noted that lack of contrast "limits evaluation of vascular structures and solid organs)

The radiation center here is next to the hospital where CT was done - the radiation room itself takes ordinary x-rays.to confirm positioning so that was done this monday before radiation started tuesday.

Before surgery I had an MRI in Seattle where I traveled for surgery which did use contrast and also said the lymph nodes were normal size - there were microscopic mets in the sentinel lymph node though but not big enough for further surgery - that is why they are getting radiated though.

-M

deweygirl19,

Hello, may I ask your professional opinion?

My main fear regarding the breast radiation treatment is about radiation "scattering" to my neck and collarbone. What should I pay attention to in this case?

Could drop your wbc below normal.

Hello December’s,

I am in final week of radiation. I have a 3 left. Last night I noticed some yellow tinged clear fluid coming from around my nipple. Probably tmi, but it’s pretty sore and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this. Thank you.

Hi MikaMika,

I had started tamoxifen two weeks before starting radiation on December 17 and took until December 23. I was have severe hip pain so my oncologist stopped and ordered x ray and bone scan. X-ray results normal and I’m awaiting bone scan results. I also had a baseline dexa bone scan on Jan 2 and to my shock I have osteoporosis (I’m 51 and perimenopausal) in neck and spine, so tamoxifen will be only option for hormonal treatment. I meet with oncologist next week to discuss. This is probably more info than you wanted. :

Hello, ladies. I finished 15 days of rads and 4 days boost on my right breast on Dec. 23, 2019. I was a bit worried before starting, as I didn't know how rads will go for me, but I was fortunate to only have mild reactions (also being off from work helped a lot). I've been using moisturising CeraVe cream (recommended by a dermatologist friend) a bit obsessively at the beginning 4-6 times a day, but now I only apply it twice, morning and night. Aveeno body wash is really gentle on the skin. When I shower (even now) I cover my breast with a thin cotton towel, so the water doesn't get in direct contact with my skin.

MikaMika, regarding Tamoxifen, my MO advised to wait until I was done rads. I am glad I did, for I can hardly sleep and I have very little appetite. I have a follow up at the end of the month and I will see what he recommends. I am also hopeful that my body will get used to it and it will stop reacting so strongly. Hugs xxx

rain88, Cowgirl13,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

Finished radiation today Wohooo.