how big radiation area????

Donna70

Hi,
Just went to get my final scanning for the radiation treatments. Last week I got india ink marks and thought that was my tattoos. Today, they explained that the dr takes my cat scan from last week and works with the x-rays they take today. Then a tech comes in and starts drawing on my chest--- a lot!! Two big boxes like 7 inches long in the middle between my breast and another funny shaped 6 in one on my left breast. Tried to talk to someone but they told me the radiologist will talk to me on Tuesday when I get my first radiation treatment. Why would I have 2 big areas marked when I supposedly have 1 tumor and the positive lymph node is nowhere around these boxes? It has shook me up. First because I swear one of the drs told me my tumor was lower and now it all changes with the markers and also the size scares me. Any info on this would help. thanks!!
Donna70

kitten0385

Hmmm...
Donna,

I'm not positive, but they usually mark two boxes in order to have to specific spots in order to line the machine up correctly. You'll have to talk to your radiologist for sure though.

Cathy

Unknown

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Donna70

unknown said:

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large radiation marks
Hi Bill and Cathy,
Thanks for your replies. I know they are my markings the tech is a niece to my neighbor and she had my right address. I tried my best to call. One of the techs did say something about angles. I think what surprised me and saddened me was I am sure one of the drs told me my cancer was a little lower but originally I was told it was higher where these marks are. For squamous cell it is better to be lower in the soft tissue areas rather than up by your heart and lungs. I tried to call the radiologist when I got home but he was with a patient. I will ask when I get to radiation before they do the treatment, Ron my husband will be with me too. I started my questions soon as I felt the marker making these large boxes but I will wait till Tuesday, holiday weekends are not the best time to get answers. Bill, I am hoping to drive myself to my radiation treatments as long as I can. I will probably need help when I get further down the line. I just got my chemo info yesterday and that is a lot to absorb they forgot to send me to a chemo class. Can I ask this question of you and Cathy and Cathy how are you doing?? Are you allowed to have an occasional glass of wine or is it no alcohol at all during your treatment cycle? I won't be on the board don't have a laptop but I will get back after I get home next Sunday. thanks for all your help, don't know what I would do without the advice and info here. thanks again,
Donna70

kitten0385

Donna70 said:

large radiation marks
Hi Bill and Cathy,
Thanks for your replies. I know they are my markings the tech is a niece to my neighbor and she had my right address. I tried my best to call. One of the techs did say something about angles. I think what surprised me and saddened me was I am sure one of the drs told me my cancer was a little lower but originally I was told it was higher where these marks are. For squamous cell it is better to be lower in the soft tissue areas rather than up by your heart and lungs. I tried to call the radiologist when I got home but he was with a patient. I will ask when I get to radiation before they do the treatment, Ron my husband will be with me too. I started my questions soon as I felt the marker making these large boxes but I will wait till Tuesday, holiday weekends are not the best time to get answers. Bill, I am hoping to drive myself to my radiation treatments as long as I can. I will probably need help when I get further down the line. I just got my chemo info yesterday and that is a lot to absorb they forgot to send me to a chemo class. Can I ask this question of you and Cathy and Cathy how are you doing?? Are you allowed to have an occasional glass of wine or is it no alcohol at all during your treatment cycle? I won't be on the board don't have a laptop but I will get back after I get home next Sunday. thanks for all your help, don't know what I would do without the advice and info here. thanks again,
Donna70

Alcohol
Donna,
It is good that you are going to be proactive and ask all your questions prior to your treatment, ask anything you need or want to, they need to give you clear and honest answers. As for alcohol, I avoided it all together when I was on chemo, I just didn't want to mess anything up. I don't think just a glass of wine here or there would be a big deal, but I'd ask your oncologist to double check. As for me, I'm doing ok....still having some belly cramping, but I believe my belly needs drained again so I will try and get an appointment to get that done next week. The fluid keeps building up trying to flush out the cancer cells but is retaining in my abdomen, so my belly is distended and gets really tight. I honestly think that's most of the reason for the belly aches/cramps and not the chemo. I wish you the best during your treatments!! We are heading to the river today for the rest of the labor day weekend, but I'll be back on Monday.

Cathy

Donna70

kitten0385 said:

Alcohol
Donna,
It is good that you are going to be proactive and ask all your questions prior to your treatment, ask anything you need or want to, they need to give you clear and honest answers. As for alcohol, I avoided it all together when I was on chemo, I just didn't want to mess anything up. I don't think just a glass of wine here or there would be a big deal, but I'd ask your oncologist to double check. As for me, I'm doing ok....still having some belly cramping, but I believe my belly needs drained again so I will try and get an appointment to get that done next week. The fluid keeps building up trying to flush out the cancer cells but is retaining in my abdomen, so my belly is distended and gets really tight. I honestly think that's most of the reason for the belly aches/cramps and not the chemo. I wish you the best during your treatments!! We are heading to the river today for the rest of the labor day weekend, but I'll be back on Monday.

Cathy

Alcohol
Hi Cathy,
I will ask the dr about the alcohol but I was planning to avoid it unless he does say I can have a special glass once in a while, think I heard it is not good for the interactions and since my radiation etc is upper chest my esophagus will be irritated enough. sorry about all the fluid, that must be so uncomfortable. Hope it resolves soon. Glad to hear you are going to have some fun and get away!! Going up to my sons for a cookout and bringing my grands home with me to stay overnight and play games etc before I go in the hospital. They cheer me up all the time. I will be thinking of you and praying that we all have the best outcomes. I have so many people praying for me on lists and privately that I tell them I pray for them too for their kindness. take care,
Donna70