- Search CSN:
- Members: Login to search all areas
- Not a member? Click here to search public areas
Heart damage from radiation
|
|
Jul 16, 2001 - 11:35 am
I have read a lot in these posts about heart damage and radiation. Can someone elaborate? I am in my fourth week of radiation and all I was told was that the heart would be receiving some of the radiation. Sounds more serious than that from what you all have written. |
Joined: Feb 2001
Hi Jayne,
I haven't started radiation yet but was told by the doctor that 10 years down the road I could have heart trouble. Three months after I could have shortness of breath indicating lung damage which heals. Also he said I could get a broken rib - I said how does that occur - he said radiation can soften the ribs temporarily making a break more likely. A friend said to me - well, don't do any moving of furniture etc. that you like to do!
All risks are very small, he added, like 1%, but are higher for the left breast because the heart is on the left side.
Supposedly new machines are much better designed to only radiate -mostly- what should get radiation and not much elsewhere.
I guess trust and optimism are needed!!
Good Luck, Jean
Joined: May 2001
If you're serious about researching