☺RADIATION TREATMENT ☼☼☼ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS☻ PART TWO

Noel
Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1


This thread is a continuation of the original one to help anyone who has questions about radiation treatments and would like a bc survivor who has been thru it to give you some of their experiences and and advice. But please, always do what your own radiation oncologist tells you to do. As I have found out, they do vary in their advice, and, you want to follow their treatment plan. The rad machines vary as do the creams you will be told to use. So, just ask your questions here and some of us will reply back. I hope this thread helps someone.

♥ Noel
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Comments

  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490
    #2
    The hospital I will get my
    The hospital I will get my RADS at has an IMRT machine, have any of you known if that's what they used on your treatments? It is supposed to be a relatively new machine. I know I'll be starting mine sometime this month. Not looking forward to it.
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #3
    lanie940 said:

    The hospital I will get my
    The hospital I will get my RADS at has an IMRT machine, have any of you known if that's what they used on your treatments? It is supposed to be a relatively new machine. I know I'll be starting mine sometime this month. Not looking forward to it.

    Lanie
    The machine used for my radiation is found at http://www.varianrapidarc.com/ and I think it might be the one you are talking about. I had 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments and I was totally fascinated with the entire process. The last week were the boosters and I did get pretty fatigued with that ... but other than a slight sun-burn feeling ... I had no other side effects. Every time I went in for a treatment I was just more amazed at that machine... and what it could do. I was fascinated at how the techs lined me up with the machine ... and that it took longer to line me up than the actual treatments took. The people at my radiation center were absolutely wonder (the patients even got free massages every Wednesday!). In my opinion ... there's nothing to be afraid of ... you don't feel a thing during the treatments ... and if you have any sun-burning the radiologist will give you special cream or a prescription. DO NOT use anything ... deoderant, creams, lotions, soaps etc. without checking with the doctor!!!! And ... my radiology oncologist also took me off of all vitamins and minerals during my 6 weeks of treatment.

    Oh ... a few things that did help me ... were that I bought a VERY fluffy towel to use after my showers ... and that helped alot. Also ... doctor gave me permission to use straight aloe (the clear gel ... NOT an aloe lotion or cream) and I found that that helped a lot with the sun-burn. Also ... I got the OK to use some foaming baby bath soap. It was great. No scent, no color ... and it went on soooooo smooth! Felt great on the boobs. :-)

    You'll do just fine.

    hugs.
    teena
  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490
    #4
    tgf said:

    Lanie
    The machine used for my radiation is found at http://www.varianrapidarc.com/ and I think it might be the one you are talking about. I had 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments and I was totally fascinated with the entire process. The last week were the boosters and I did get pretty fatigued with that ... but other than a slight sun-burn feeling ... I had no other side effects. Every time I went in for a treatment I was just more amazed at that machine... and what it could do. I was fascinated at how the techs lined me up with the machine ... and that it took longer to line me up than the actual treatments took. The people at my radiation center were absolutely wonder (the patients even got free massages every Wednesday!). In my opinion ... there's nothing to be afraid of ... you don't feel a thing during the treatments ... and if you have any sun-burning the radiologist will give you special cream or a prescription. DO NOT use anything ... deoderant, creams, lotions, soaps etc. without checking with the doctor!!!! And ... my radiology oncologist also took me off of all vitamins and minerals during my 6 weeks of treatment.

    Oh ... a few things that did help me ... were that I bought a VERY fluffy towel to use after my showers ... and that helped alot. Also ... doctor gave me permission to use straight aloe (the clear gel ... NOT an aloe lotion or cream) and I found that that helped a lot with the sun-burn. Also ... I got the OK to use some foaming baby bath soap. It was great. No scent, no color ... and it went on soooooo smooth! Felt great on the boobs. :-)

    You'll do just fine.

    hugs.
    teena

    Thanks for your reply. I
    Thanks for your reply. I just made the appointment for the initial consultation. The nurse told me I may be able to do the SIM the next day or day after. So, this would be before my hernia surgery on the 8th of Oct. I told her i kinda wanted to be ready to go with it after I have like a weeks recovery from the surgery. If I have the surgery on the 8th, I think I should only really need the following week for recovery and start the RADs mid October. I want to be done by the end of Nov!
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #5
    lanie940 said:

    Thanks for your reply. I
    Thanks for your reply. I just made the appointment for the initial consultation. The nurse told me I may be able to do the SIM the next day or day after. So, this would be before my hernia surgery on the 8th of Oct. I told her i kinda wanted to be ready to go with it after I have like a weeks recovery from the surgery. If I have the surgery on the 8th, I think I should only really need the following week for recovery and start the RADs mid October. I want to be done by the end of Nov!

    Getting Tired
    At first, I wasn't any more tired than normal, but now, I am really getting wore out. I will have zapping #20 today. Is this about where everyone starts feeling the effects of rads? Is this where you really start getting tired, around the 4th week? Thanks!

    Sue :)
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #6
    Ritzy said:

    Getting Tired
    At first, I wasn't any more tired than normal, but now, I am really getting wore out. I will have zapping #20 today. Is this about where everyone starts feeling the effects of rads? Is this where you really start getting tired, around the 4th week? Thanks!

    Sue :)

    Hi Sue
    Rads hit everyone differently as you can tell from the postings. Since you are ready to start your 4th week, you will probably start getting more tired, so, you need to make sure you get lots and lots of rest. I found that if I still did some exercises, that it made me feel better. My husband and I or some of my girlfriends would just go for walks, and, I found that gave me more energy. I know it sounds silly, but, it worked. And now with this beautiful Fall weather, you can really enjoy it.

    Lex♥
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #7
    Alexis F said:

    Hi Sue
    Rads hit everyone differently as you can tell from the postings. Since you are ready to start your 4th week, you will probably start getting more tired, so, you need to make sure you get lots and lots of rest. I found that if I still did some exercises, that it made me feel better. My husband and I or some of my girlfriends would just go for walks, and, I found that gave me more energy. I know it sounds silly, but, it worked. And now with this beautiful Fall weather, you can really enjoy it.

    Lex♥

    Question
    Is there anything I should know before I have my radiation treatments simulation? I know that they will explain it all to me, but, just wondered if I should ask something else. My radiation oncologist did go over it with my husband and I and even sent home literature explaining it. Thanks!

    Angie
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #8
    Angie2U said:

    Question
    Is there anything I should know before I have my radiation treatments simulation? I know that they will explain it all to me, but, just wondered if I should ask something else. My radiation oncologist did go over it with my husband and I and even sent home literature explaining it. Thanks!

    Angie

    Angie
    When I had my simulation, it took about an hour and a half, so, just know that it will take some time. And, that is ok because you want them to be exact in setting you up, not hurried. I also got my 4 little tattoos on that day. They don't hurt at all. The tech just used a very tiny needle, like they prick your finger for blood. All I felt were 4 tiny little pricks and they were done! They are aligning you up with their computers. Every person is different. The room is cold, so, I would suggest wearing socks and jeans or long pants at the least, no matter what it is like outside. They always offered warm blankets to me, but, I didn't always take them. Some people's arms got sore from the position that they are in. Mine didn't, as mine rested comfortably in a sling like apparatus. So, you might want to take some advil, ibuprofen or tylenol ahead of time. You might check with your rads oncologist before and make sure it is ok. And, if you feel you need a nerve pill, get one from him too. I know I am probably leaving something out. I will post it if I think of anything else. Good luck with your simulation. You will basically just lay there all of that time and they will move you literally. Let us know how it goes Angie!

    Kylez ♥
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #9
    Kylez said:

    Angie
    When I had my simulation, it took about an hour and a half, so, just know that it will take some time. And, that is ok because you want them to be exact in setting you up, not hurried. I also got my 4 little tattoos on that day. They don't hurt at all. The tech just used a very tiny needle, like they prick your finger for blood. All I felt were 4 tiny little pricks and they were done! They are aligning you up with their computers. Every person is different. The room is cold, so, I would suggest wearing socks and jeans or long pants at the least, no matter what it is like outside. They always offered warm blankets to me, but, I didn't always take them. Some people's arms got sore from the position that they are in. Mine didn't, as mine rested comfortably in a sling like apparatus. So, you might want to take some advil, ibuprofen or tylenol ahead of time. You might check with your rads oncologist before and make sure it is ok. And, if you feel you need a nerve pill, get one from him too. I know I am probably leaving something out. I will post it if I think of anything else. Good luck with your simulation. You will basically just lay there all of that time and they will move you literally. Let us know how it goes Angie!

    Kylez ♥

    I just wanted to add that at
    I just wanted to add that at the simulation, I was given creams to start using prior to the rad treatments. So, be sure and ask for them. I think that helped my skin from burning somewhat as I started way early and really put it on thick.

    Leeza
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #10
    jnl said:

    I just wanted to add that at
    I just wanted to add that at the simulation, I was given creams to start using prior to the rad treatments. So, be sure and ask for them. I think that helped my skin from burning somewhat as I started way early and really put it on thick.

    Leeza

    I have been using my creams
    I have been using my creams from the start and I am warm to the touch, but, not pink yet, so, I think that might help some, or, I hope so.

    Sue :)
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #11
    lanie940 said:

    Thanks for your reply. I
    Thanks for your reply. I just made the appointment for the initial consultation. The nurse told me I may be able to do the SIM the next day or day after. So, this would be before my hernia surgery on the 8th of Oct. I told her i kinda wanted to be ready to go with it after I have like a weeks recovery from the surgery. If I have the surgery on the 8th, I think I should only really need the following week for recovery and start the RADs mid October. I want to be done by the end of Nov!

    Good luck with your
    Good luck with your simulation Lanie!

    Lex♥
  • Tux
    Tux Member Posts: 544
    #12
    Angie2U said:

    Question
    Is there anything I should know before I have my radiation treatments simulation? I know that they will explain it all to me, but, just wondered if I should ask something else. My radiation oncologist did go over it with my husband and I and even sent home literature explaining it. Thanks!

    Angie

    Angie, my simulation took 2
    Angie, my simulation took 2 1/2 hours & I still had to come back the next day. The rooms were cold, and I also recommend long pants & socks. Plus, you have to lay without moving, so you can't warm yourself up. Otherwise, it wasn't bad at all!
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #13
    Tux said:

    Angie, my simulation took 2
    Angie, my simulation took 2 1/2 hours & I still had to come back the next day. The rooms were cold, and I also recommend long pants & socks. Plus, you have to lay without moving, so you can't warm yourself up. Otherwise, it wasn't bad at all!

    What Tux said was so true.
    What Tux said was so true. Mine said I could even listen to my music if I wanted, since basically I was just lying there. You will do fine. Just remember that it is only a one time thing.

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #14
    Kylez said:

    Angie
    When I had my simulation, it took about an hour and a half, so, just know that it will take some time. And, that is ok because you want them to be exact in setting you up, not hurried. I also got my 4 little tattoos on that day. They don't hurt at all. The tech just used a very tiny needle, like they prick your finger for blood. All I felt were 4 tiny little pricks and they were done! They are aligning you up with their computers. Every person is different. The room is cold, so, I would suggest wearing socks and jeans or long pants at the least, no matter what it is like outside. They always offered warm blankets to me, but, I didn't always take them. Some people's arms got sore from the position that they are in. Mine didn't, as mine rested comfortably in a sling like apparatus. So, you might want to take some advil, ibuprofen or tylenol ahead of time. You might check with your rads oncologist before and make sure it is ok. And, if you feel you need a nerve pill, get one from him too. I know I am probably leaving something out. I will post it if I think of anything else. Good luck with your simulation. You will basically just lay there all of that time and they will move you literally. Let us know how it goes Angie!

    Kylez ♥

    Ditto
    My simulation was basically just like Kylez's was. Mainly, the room was freezing as it has to be for the zap machine. So, wear something warm on the bottom. Good luck!

    Kristin ♥
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #15
    Ritzy said:

    Getting Tired
    At first, I wasn't any more tired than normal, but now, I am really getting wore out. I will have zapping #20 today. Is this about where everyone starts feeling the effects of rads? Is this where you really start getting tired, around the 4th week? Thanks!

    Sue :)

    Sue, you will get more
    Sue, you will get more tired. So, it is so important that you get as much rest as you can. I think it was about my 4th week where it started to really hit me too.

    Kylez ♥
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #16
    Alexis F said:

    Good luck with your
    Good luck with your simulation Lanie!

    Lex♥

    Prepare?
    Is there anything that anyone can tell me to do before I start radiation? Like just try to get more sleep or something? Thanks!

    Angie
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #17
    Angie2U said:

    Prepare?
    Is there anything that anyone can tell me to do before I start radiation? Like just try to get more sleep or something? Thanks!

    Angie

    A few tips
    I don't know that you can really prepare for rads Angie. But, getting lots of rest prior to the treatments are good as they will take a lot of energy out of you. Also, start using the creams that your rads oncologist gives you prior to the starting of rads, if he says to. Stop taking your vitamins, if he says so too. See your dentist before as mine didn't want me to go to one while I was doing rads too. If I think of more, I will post it here for you.

    Leeza
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #18
    jnl said:

    A few tips
    I don't know that you can really prepare for rads Angie. But, getting lots of rest prior to the treatments are good as they will take a lot of energy out of you. Also, start using the creams that your rads oncologist gives you prior to the starting of rads, if he says to. Stop taking your vitamins, if he says so too. See your dentist before as mine didn't want me to go to one while I was doing rads too. If I think of more, I will post it here for you.

    Leeza

    Boosters
    I am to have probably 5 boosters after my regular zappers are done. Does or has everyone always had boosters? I thought I read some posts on here where some didn't have them and I just wondered why since they only target the tumor area.

    Sue :)
  • Dawne.Hope
    Dawne.Hope Member Posts: 823
    #19
    Ritzy said:

    Boosters
    I am to have probably 5 boosters after my regular zappers are done. Does or has everyone always had boosters? I thought I read some posts on here where some didn't have them and I just wondered why since they only target the tumor area.

    Sue :)

    What are boosters?
    Hey all,

    Sorry for the stupid question, but what are boosters?

    I will start rads hopefully in a few weeks and I'm gleaning from all your wisdom. :)
    But the 'booster' thing is one I've never heard of. What are they?

    Thanks in advance!
    dh
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #20
    Dawne.Hope said:

    What are boosters?
    Hey all,

    Sorry for the stupid question, but what are boosters?

    I will start rads hopefully in a few weeks and I'm gleaning from all your wisdom. :)
    But the 'booster' thing is one I've never heard of. What are they?

    Thanks in advance!
    dh

    Boosters
    Hi Dawne! Boosters, from what I understand, are a higher dose of radiation that is given directly to the tumor site. I am getting zapped now from my collar bone to under my arm, to under my breast, to the middle of my chest. The booster will not be given to that entire area. It will only be given and directed to where my cancerous tumor was. Does that help?

    Sue :)
  • Dawne.Hope
    Dawne.Hope Member Posts: 823
    #21
    Ritzy said:

    Boosters
    Hi Dawne! Boosters, from what I understand, are a higher dose of radiation that is given directly to the tumor site. I am getting zapped now from my collar bone to under my arm, to under my breast, to the middle of my chest. The booster will not be given to that entire area. It will only be given and directed to where my cancerous tumor was. Does that help?

    Sue :)

    Yes! It totally answers my
    Yes! It totally answers my question!

    Does everyone get boosters ... I'm thinking it is probably on an individual basis, isn't it ... depending on the type of tumor, how big it was, etc?

    And the number of boosters probably varies too??

    Thank you for your answer! :)
    dh

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