Radiation questions

jdubious
jdubious Member Posts: 113
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi! I'm half way thru weekly taxol treatments and I will start radiation after that. I'm trying to figure out my schedule to give some notice at work.
Here are my questions:
How long do regular treatments take after the initial setup? Are there any tests (like the blood tests for chemo?)How long will I be at the radiation center on a daily basis?
This has nothing to do with scheduling, but what do you wear for a fondation garment? I'm a unibooob "d" cup and I can't imagine going braless for 6 weeks and those camisoles aren't any better.
thanks for your help!
jill

Comments

  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #2
    ok, will try to answer your questions.

    My daily therapy took 10-15 minutes. I was at work by 9 each day. Yes, bloodwork is done weekly-and I saw the dr weekly as well.

    Now, I was large breasted-but had an expander so was a DD on one side, and a B/C on the other. I wore baggy shirts and an exercise top or tshirt....and said the heck with it. Everyone here knew what I was going through...and I really did not care about the vendors....

    Hugs to you!

    Deb
  • heavenlee
    heavenlee Member Posts: 113
    #3
    Hello there,
    Well..I was at the center from between 15 minutes to 45 minutes. Usually around 15 or so. Not bad. I had a little 4 month old with me so..they may have tried to hurry me along..:-)
    I had weekly dr. appt. with they radiologist but..I had no blood work done.
    I was able to wear my bra still. I didn't find it to uncomfortable. I only really started burning at the end. I hadn't started wearing my prostesis yet..but..did wear the cotton pad thing.
    Hope this helped. Take care and God Bless.
    Angel
  • DiO
    DiO Member Posts: 51
    #4
    My experience was similar to Angel's. Daily treatment took about 15 min and they usually were pretty close to on time, often early. A few times they were a bit behind because of tech problems, and on "Dr day" once a week when everyone saw the dr it took an extra 15 min-half hour depending on how far behind he got! Also had no blood work during rads and was able to wear my regular bra throughout, although sometimes took it off at home to give skin a rest!

    Good luck and God bless, Di
  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #5
    Radiation treatments can be done during your lunch break - it takes longer for you to get undressed and into position than it will to radiate you! Be faithful in using the creams and soaps they recommend and find a soft cotton bra to wear. I found one at Sears that it is just stretchy cotton and another that has more support to it, but no underwire. I can now wear my regular bras if I take out their underwire, but prefer the cotton ones. I had no problem with radiation and everyone was really helpful. Good luck!
  • jdubious
    jdubious Member Posts: 113
    #6
    Idalia said:

    Radiation treatments can be done during your lunch break - it takes longer for you to get undressed and into position than it will to radiate you! Be faithful in using the creams and soaps they recommend and find a soft cotton bra to wear. I found one at Sears that it is just stretchy cotton and another that has more support to it, but no underwire. I can now wear my regular bras if I take out their underwire, but prefer the cotton ones. I had no problem with radiation and everyone was really helpful. Good luck!

    thanks everyone! I'll start looking for soft cotton bras!
    jill

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