Difference between radiation treatments

While I don't know the details of the different types, I had Tomotherapy IMRT (in fact, they named the machine "Tomo"). Tomotherapy is an image guided IMRT which uses a CT scanner to more precisely target certain areas and spare healthy tissue. It operates in a similar manner as a CT scanner in that it rotates around the patients head. I got to know exactly how many rotations it took for my treatment and often would focus on counting the revolutions to let me know how close I was to finishing. 

"T"

I'd guess 90% get IMRT for HNC if they have radiation therapy. The RO strive to minimize the damage to your head and neck during radiation and I know in my case, since I asked, why I got the latest and greatest IMRT rather than the other machines. They said because HNC radiation is really involved due to all the nearby fragile organs so they want to minimize the collateral damage.

Based on what you have provided about your case, it seems to fall in line with a "standard" IMRT treatment. 72 grays - 35 x2 grays. 7 weeks 5 times every week. There are some trials and limited cases where deescalation is being done (in the 60-62 gray range) but I would never agree to be a guinea pig in a trial to "test" if lower dosage does not alter morbity rates unless my body was so compromised they refuse to give the full dose as specified by NCI standard of care.

jackflash22 said:

IMRT

That sounds like my treatment plan. When the mask was made I had to wear it in a ct type scanner and they drew marks over the mask, then they all get together with the ct results, and make a plan for the best treatment for me. What puzzled me was when I had my 6 weeks assessment the surgeon said my tongue and neck op was a success. he said the ,clear, margin around the tongue tumour was close to the edge, but he didn't say it was over the edge so I guess that's why I,m having the radiation but there again I may not have really needed it. it,s a case of being safe rather than sorry. I won't ever know . Did you get terrible side effects during and after.

The most common being loss of taste, dry mouth.....and a bad sunburn on your neck.  I think we ALL had these to varying degrees.  Dry mouth is actually "desert mouth".....a bottle of water will be your constant companion.  There is also a possiblity of mouth sores, sore throat, mucous buildup, and a very tender mouth (that's where the PEG tube comes in handy). 

Within the first two weeks I had the dry mouth and my taster was kaput....I used Mugard for mouth sore prevention, and it worked for me.  I never really had a sore throat, tho my mouth got tender...I started using Boost and Ensure Plus for nutrition, with some soups etc during the 7 weeks of rads.  My bad side effects came with the adjuvent chemo after rads were over, and I don't think you're getting those. 

Just stick close to this board, and we'll get you through many of the side effects.  The Drs. generally don't know about some of the simple tricks to get us through them, but the folks on here know....and we'll help you.

p

jackflash22 said:

PEG

I had a letter today from hospital, my op forPEg is 23 sept but my rad starts 18 sept. I phoned my dietician s secretary and she,s going to get in touch with my dietition to see if its Ok to havePEg put in after the rad starts. I have to be in a different hospital close by then they will transport me to my hospital to recover over night. I,m in the first hospital at 8.30 for op my rad is 10.30 each day. I wonder how they can do both my rad and op.........

only takes about 45 minutes....and they use "twilight" anethesia....I always fall asleep on that stuff just like the big knock out drugs, but you wake up within 15 minutes after it's over. 

Yes you can have the PEG put in after radiation starts....many people have opted to wait and see, then end up needing a PEG tube down the line after rads are started.  Our friend  "T" (fishmanpa) got his PEG tube in the day he finished radiation....

I'm glad they are going to let you stay the night after you get the PEG placed....for some of us, there is quite a bit of cramping for a couple of days (for some others, it was nothing)....

p

Out of curiosity...

Where did you find that IMRT was stated as "the worst one for side effects....", and which ones were they comparing IMRT with?

Did they give any reference to results as for effectiveness on killing cancer and survivor rates?

JG