VMAT: Volumetric Modulated Radiation Therapy

I'm also glad that you are insisting on answers to your questions before starting treatment. On the day they mapped me, I noticed an X sticker way up near my throat and found out they were radiating my supraclavicular nodes (at the clavicle). I said, "I am not consenting to that!" That led to an immediate meeting with my RO who explained that because I had lymph node involvement (5 nodes), he had to include those near my clavicle. He also showed me in 3D color how they were going to protect my esophagus, heart, lungs, etc. There is only one point at top of my lung where there might be some minor scarring that will show on an xray, but he assured me I will never notice any breathing difference and will still be able to climb Machu Picchu (if I ever get there).

Speaking of breathing, since yours will be a left-sided radiation, I recommend asking if they will be using DIBH (deep inspiration breath hold) to get your heart out of the way. There is a safeguard so that if you breathe at the wrong time, the radiation beam will instantly turn off. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is very helpful during the radiation beams.

Blessings, and feel free to join our August 2021 radiation group. It's a sweet, funny group of women who are going through this together and we'd love to come alongside you as you begin, too.

Esther