Update First visit to Radiation Onc

BlownAway60
BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
We went yesterday for our first visit with my Radiation Oncologist. He discussed just about everything and answered all of my questions. I will probably have 33 treatments. The last week will be boosters. He said that he will also give me radiation in the level one and two lymph nodes but only about half the way up my chest wall, not all the way to my collar bone. Radiation will be given using IMRT. They will use a CT and computer to map the path that the arc takes around me. Using IMRT they will be able to adjust the intensity of the beams in the areas that should not be radiated like my heart and lungs and such. They are supposed to call me today with an appointment for my first simulation. Which is supposed to take about 2 hours. I guess they will make my cast, do the CT Scan and maybe mark me during that session. I know they do another simulation before they actually start rads to make sure everthing is aligned correctly. Kinda anxious to get going with this. The sooner it starts the sooner I will be done. Just a little scared as I have read post about the problems some are having with rads. Just praying that I will be okay and be able put this behind me soon. Looking forward to dancing with NED.

Will keep you all updated as time goes by.

Hugs

Donna

Comments

  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #2
    Good luck Donna
    I finished #21 today and no problems yet.
  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #3
    laurissa said:

    Good luck Donna
    I finished #21 today and no problems yet.

    Good luck
    Day 16 and things are fine so far.

    I wish you well,

    Victoria
  • jbug
    jbug Member Posts: 285
    #4
    Know that reading the posts
    Know that reading the posts can make things a bit scarier! It made me nervous too. Remember to just take one day at a time and realize that everyone reacts differently to the radiation. My simulation wasn't all that long, though i planned for at least an hour...felt like i was in and out though they did the CT scan and i got my tats! I had read about casts, but didn't require of those either. Hopefully, the sim will go quickly and you'll be done w/rads in no time.

    Do a search for radiation questions and answers for a string w/lots of good info! Remember...lots of lotions!!! Blessings...
    Julie
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #5
    jbug said:

    Know that reading the posts
    Know that reading the posts can make things a bit scarier! It made me nervous too. Remember to just take one day at a time and realize that everyone reacts differently to the radiation. My simulation wasn't all that long, though i planned for at least an hour...felt like i was in and out though they did the CT scan and i got my tats! I had read about casts, but didn't require of those either. Hopefully, the sim will go quickly and you'll be done w/rads in no time.

    Do a search for radiation questions and answers for a string w/lots of good info! Remember...lots of lotions!!! Blessings...
    Julie

    Good luck to you Donna.
    Good luck to you Donna. Just use your creams, the ones your rads oncologist gives you, from day one and a few weeks even after you are done. Be really gentle with your skin and get lots of rest!

    I never had casts, so, I don't know anything about that.
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #6
    Hi Blown Away
    I had my simulation yesterday. It was a long process but not horrible. I am also having it given IMRT and I have chosen the prone rather than supine position although they did make the cast for the supine position and marked me for both in case I have a preference for one over the other. Being someone who likes to sleep on my abdomen, I didn't find the prone position, at all uncomfortable and actually almost fell asleep. The tatooing of the marks was painless, only felt a mild pinch for the ones on my back. I came home looking for them and they are really hard to find if you aren't looking for them. My simulation last for a little over two hours. Scheduling the daily doses took a long time as the time slots I needed were full. I met with the nurses who gave me inforamtoin about skin care and gave me a jar of Aquaphor cream. They encouraged me to call or meet with them as much as needed with any questions or concerns. So far, if all goes well, I will be getting treatment from 5/13-6/11. I opted for the shorter course with higher rads (also boosters)I go for my PLan-check on 5/13 followed by my first rad treatment.
    Like you, I want this over as soon as possible. Yes, I am anxious about it and looking forward to dancing with NED.
    Keep us updated and I will do the same.
    K
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #7
    Hi Blown Away
    I had my simulation yesterday. It was a long process but not horrible. I am also having it given IMRT and I have chosen the prone rather than supine position although they did make the cast for the supine position and marked me for both in case I have a preference for one over the other. Being someone who likes to sleep on my abdomen, I didn't find the prone position, at all uncomfortable and actually almost fell asleep. The tatooing of the marks was painless, only felt a mild pinch for the ones on my back. I came home looking for them and they are really hard to find if you aren't looking for them. My simulation last for a little over two hours. Scheduling the daily doses took a long time as the time slots I needed were full. I met with the nurses who gave me inforamtoin about skin care and gave me a jar of Aquaphor cream. They encouraged me to call or meet with them as much as needed with any questions or concerns. So far, if all goes well, I will be getting treatment from 5/13-6/11. I opted for the shorter course with higher rads (also boosters)I go for my PLan-check on 5/13 followed by my first rad treatment.
    Like you, I want this over as soon as possible. Yes, I am anxious about it and looking forward to dancing with NED.
    Keep us updated and I will do the same.
    K
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #8
    laurissa said:

    Good luck Donna
    I finished #21 today and no problems yet.

    Wishing you good luck Donna.
    Wishing you good luck Donna. Everyone's reactions are so different with rads. Just take it one day at a time.
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    #9
    Thanks All
    My Radiation Onc's nurse told me get something called Fruit of the Earth and apply it 3 times a day beginning with my first treatment. It is an aloe based gel. I haven't located it yet but was told they keep it on had at the hospital pharmacy where I will be getting rads.

    My first simulation is scheduled for Mon of next week.

    Will keep you updated.

    Hugs

    Donna
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #10
    BlownAway60 said:

    Thanks All
    My Radiation Onc's nurse told me get something called Fruit of the Earth and apply it 3 times a day beginning with my first treatment. It is an aloe based gel. I haven't located it yet but was told they keep it on had at the hospital pharmacy where I will be getting rads.

    My first simulation is scheduled for Mon of next week.

    Will keep you updated.

    Hugs

    Donna

    Good luck on Monday Donna!
    Good luck on Monday Donna! Keep whatever creams on that your rads oncologist suggests right from day 1 of your treatment. Get lots of rest too!

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