How much time between chemo and radiation?
Comments
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My Thanks
Thank you all for your informative and encouraging replies. I feel better about my treatments starting in May. Thanks also for the really helpful information and tips. With my sisters behind me, I will be ready for the radiation room (or machine, or tube, or whatever:-)0 -
The RoutineMoopy23 said:My Thanks
Thank you all for your informative and encouraging replies. I feel better about my treatments starting in May. Thanks also for the really helpful information and tips. With my sisters behind me, I will be ready for the radiation room (or machine, or tube, or whatever:-)
Your reply made me realize that no was has posted a 1,2,3. Here we go realizing of course that everyplace is different and may not do every step nor in this order.
After meeting with the radiation oncologist, I had a CT scan of the breast which consisted of lying on my back on a very hard table, bare to the waist and arms in holders over the head. They did some drawing on me, and placed some tatoos on me and wanted to place some tape but we had a discussion about that because my skin cannot take that. Later that week/next week I had another session that was a simulation that felt the same from *my* viewpoint just not quite as long on the table. I ended up with 3 tiny tatoos across the breast because I can't tolerate the tape and I don't care if I'm tatooed. For both of these, make sure you are comfortable, i.e. knee bolster, warm enough, whatever. When I started treatment (these were 3 locations of the same company) the first session was a little longer, more drawing on me. After that it was about 3-5 minutes of positioning, again on the hard table in a gown pulled down to the waist, arms over the head, then about 3-5 minutes of actual treatment. For me, the machine was a little to my left with a wedge/filter, 10 second beam then almost directly overhead without the wedge, then it rotated below to the right with a wedge. Each position had a beam for about 10 seconds-couldn't see it but you could hear it. At the center I went to the therapists had to place and remove the wedges, some machines are automatic. For the "boost", the rad onc came in and drew on me, and they made a cut out for the machine. It was attached to the machine and was much closer to me. They moved the table instead of me to position and it was about a 15-20 second beam once and done.
Hope this gives you a better idea. I'm not modest so that didn't bother me. I had a little problem with back spasms so we needed to work around that but the biggest problem is just being there every day. I missed one day because I was out of town, And slather yourself with your goo of choice twice a day and don't neglect your armpit! Other than my armpit, I have a reddish breast that is fine.
Maureen0 -
Description of Routine HelpsEveningStar2 said:The Routine
Your reply made me realize that no was has posted a 1,2,3. Here we go realizing of course that everyplace is different and may not do every step nor in this order.
After meeting with the radiation oncologist, I had a CT scan of the breast which consisted of lying on my back on a very hard table, bare to the waist and arms in holders over the head. They did some drawing on me, and placed some tatoos on me and wanted to place some tape but we had a discussion about that because my skin cannot take that. Later that week/next week I had another session that was a simulation that felt the same from *my* viewpoint just not quite as long on the table. I ended up with 3 tiny tatoos across the breast because I can't tolerate the tape and I don't care if I'm tatooed. For both of these, make sure you are comfortable, i.e. knee bolster, warm enough, whatever. When I started treatment (these were 3 locations of the same company) the first session was a little longer, more drawing on me. After that it was about 3-5 minutes of positioning, again on the hard table in a gown pulled down to the waist, arms over the head, then about 3-5 minutes of actual treatment. For me, the machine was a little to my left with a wedge/filter, 10 second beam then almost directly overhead without the wedge, then it rotated below to the right with a wedge. Each position had a beam for about 10 seconds-couldn't see it but you could hear it. At the center I went to the therapists had to place and remove the wedges, some machines are automatic. For the "boost", the rad onc came in and drew on me, and they made a cut out for the machine. It was attached to the machine and was much closer to me. They moved the table instead of me to position and it was about a 15-20 second beam once and done.
Hope this gives you a better idea. I'm not modest so that didn't bother me. I had a little problem with back spasms so we needed to work around that but the biggest problem is just being there every day. I missed one day because I was out of town, And slather yourself with your goo of choice twice a day and don't neglect your armpit! Other than my armpit, I have a reddish breast that is fine.
Maureen
Thanks, Maureen. This is very helpful. I was trying to imagine what the actual radiation treatments would be like. I have gotten back spasms in the past, so I will take extra care to make sure I am as comfortable as I can be. Also, thanks for the instruction to use lotion or goo on my armpit as well. I would not have thought of it.0 -
You two make a really cute couple!
Hello, Joe. My first post to you, though I've written to Moopy. I'm new here. Nice to "meet" you. And, may I compliment your being here within this group, on your wife's behalf? I'm truly touched. Although my husband (married my high school sweetheart - love him dearly!) was supportive - he would never, ever have done this. Throughout my entire ordeal, he functioned on a: "Just tell me what I absolutely need to know, when I need to know it" basis.
To Moopy: YAY! One more chemo treatment. I'm truly relieved for you, dear.
Re: Joe's original question - I think it totally depends on the individual, and their treatment plan. I did the surgery/chemo/rads road. My chemo treatments were exactly three weeks apart. My very first radiation treatment occurred exactly three weeks after my final chemo. However, within the weeks leading up to my first actual rad treatment - there were several appointments with the radiation oncologist & the radiation oncology therapists (they're the ones who do the "zapping"). For measurements, positioning, etc. ... then, a sort of "test run"...
Moopy, I hope you'll do well with the rads. ASK about lotions & creams. Some products can actually interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment, and no one wants THAT! (I think it depends a lot on the equipment itself, if I remember correctly.) I was allowed to use ONLY Aquaphor products (easily found at regular drugstores & the "big box" discounts). In fact, they gave me samples (lotion, cream, etc.), so I could try before I bought. But - IMPORTANT - I was strictly instructed to always arrive for treatment CLEAN: no lotions, creams, perfume, not even deodorant. So, again, please be sure to ask if you're not told upfront.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Sorry, I can't comment on
Sorry, I can't comment on the rads as I passed on them. But I just want to say we'll be thinking of you and sending you warm hugs and sunshine.
love
jan0 -
Also no antiperspirants, any
Also no antiperspirants, any that have aluminum in them. The Radiation Dr. said get deodorant from the health food store. She recommended several, I bought Alba Botanica.
Also at my 1st radiation treatment, the nurse gave me samples of Aquaphor and Biafine. Biafine is a prescription. I have only done one week so far and have not needed the Biafine yet.
Also I have my treatments lying on my stomach. They told me it is because of the size of my breasts. 42c. Anyone else have to do this? All my marks are on my back.
Also you might want to get a sports bra or a bra from a cancer supply place made to be comfortable when you do get red or "sunburned" from treatment. We have one in the hospital here that sells wigs, hats, bras, creams, etc.0 -
One more thingMoopy23 said:Description of Routine Helps
Thanks, Maureen. This is very helpful. I was trying to imagine what the actual radiation treatments would be like. I have gotten back spasms in the past, so I will take extra care to make sure I am as comfortable as I can be. Also, thanks for the instruction to use lotion or goo on my armpit as well. I would not have thought of it.
Don't be surprised when they take pictures. I had pictures taken (for the record)on the "mapping" day and once again when they mapped for my boost treatments. I had been warned, so it didn't disarm me, but I certainly would have been surprised had I not known in advance. They said my face would not show in the pictures.
The tattoos aren't painful, as one might expect. Just a little prick of the skin.
My radiology technicians were always as respectful of my dignity as was possible and I'm sure yours will be, too0 -
InterestingJan_M said:Also no antiperspirants, any
Also no antiperspirants, any that have aluminum in them. The Radiation Dr. said get deodorant from the health food store. She recommended several, I bought Alba Botanica.
Also at my 1st radiation treatment, the nurse gave me samples of Aquaphor and Biafine. Biafine is a prescription. I have only done one week so far and have not needed the Biafine yet.
Also I have my treatments lying on my stomach. They told me it is because of the size of my breasts. 42c. Anyone else have to do this? All my marks are on my back.
Also you might want to get a sports bra or a bra from a cancer supply place made to be comfortable when you do get red or "sunburned" from treatment. We have one in the hospital here that sells wigs, hats, bras, creams, etc.
Every place is different, I guess. I'm a 42 D/DD and I was on my back.0 -
The Dr. said doing it thatEveningStar2 said:Interesting
Every place is different, I guess. I'm a 42 D/DD and I was on my back.
The Dr. said doing it that way, will keep me from getting burns under my breast. I said they should make a sling to hang it up it the air because being on my stomach with arms over my head is very uncomfortable. lol0 -
RadsJeanne D said:hmmm
I have never heard of such a thing. I am large breasted too for my size, but, I am on my back. They marked you on your back? So, they give you radiation from your back..clear thru? HUH? I don't understand.......
Hi all.. I watched the 'teeth' on my rad machine, it grimaced, then smiled then leered at me... you'll see what I mean..Machine was turquoise by the way..Hugs Jxxxxxx0 -
Hi you two!
Usually the time is about 3 weeks before they start radiation treatments. But, I am sure the time might vary between radiation oncologist's. Some people I am taking radiation with are taking chemo and radiation at the same time. But, I feel sorry for them..it is so difficult on them. Good luck with the end of your chemo! Oh and the room where I get my radiation treatments is so cold that I freeze, so, they have a blanket with my name on it that the tech's put on me when I am there. So, ask for one if you are cold too. A small thing, but, it stopped me from shivering, which they don't want.0
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