Forum Discussion

Bravo's avatar
Bravo
Member
8 years ago

Radiotherapy details

i guess I could wait until I see the radiotherapy doctor to ask this question but, do the radiation rays go right through you or do they stop partway in ie at the site of the cancer? So if the cancer is in my breast will the radiation rays hit, for example, my lungs, spleen, back muscles, etc?

radiotherapy

39 Replies

Sort By
Show More
  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    8 years ago
    Im 5 years post radiation. When they do the mapping the appropriate ammount is targeted and hence why they take a while to measure you if you havent had this yet make sure you take panadol or nuerofen on the day of measurement as tour back will ache. If your treatment is on your heart side they measure to protect it. My soreness is still there and takes many years to go in dome people. But my onco told me recently the benefits go on for a long time. You may be lucky to recieve the new treatment of 1 go with a baloon insertion do ask its very new. Adean xx
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Bravo I had 25 sessions and only towards the end was there a problem I remembered talking to the radiation oncologist about skin reactions. She stated that some people with fair skin do just as well as people with say an olive skin. She stated it depended on each individual persons reaction. 
    So you may be lucky it is not inevitable you will have problems.
    Compared to chemo for me radiation was good though I did progress from sorbelen to burn cream. Healed well in a short time and glad it is all over
  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Bravo I am red haired and have extremely fair and sensitive skin. Had 30 rads session and was only red and slightly burnt towards the end. I found radiation so much easier than chemo although I did get an inflammed esophogus from the radiation. Everything cleared up in 2 weeks and no more problems.
  • Glemmis's avatar
    Glemmis
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Bravo, I finished 25 rounds of radio a month ago & my fair skin was really good until the end & then it peeled & had painful spots which worsened over 2 weeks but fine now. I had to do the deep inspiration breathing because mine is the left side. My back above my shoulder blade was burnt & one of the therapists said it was from the rays penetrating deep.
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    8 years ago
    Bravo thats a good question, I had radio back in 2011 and a year later I would start cramping in the chest and in the back, it was weird and just comes on and goes as quick but it was due to rads. Unfortunately its worse now after having chemo in 2015 as that shrinks the sheath over the muscle so I have alot of trouble with back cramping, but all my stretching exercises help from my Exercise Physiologist. x Melinda
  • Bravo's avatar
    Bravo
    Member
    8 years ago
    Great info! Thanks. 
    I'm concerned about the impact on my skin as well. I have always had sensitive, pale, and thin skin. I can't use soaps or perfumes, no make-up ever, perfumed deodorants, shampoos etc. 
    Does anyone know if there is some dietary changes I can make to help the inevitable damage heal quicker?
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    That's what the CT scan is about--the mapping--before you start. They need to assess your body shape and get an idea about depth and access.  Different areas get different depths--if you are having your axillary lymph nodes zapped, for example, its a deep process as the area is thick. Boobs less so. There is always a bit of collateral damage. For example, I've got a high chance of burns top the top of my lung while they are targeting my sub clav nodes. There's also a bit more involvement with my spine and throat than is ideal, but it is not possible to avoid it because of the way I'm put together and the areas that need treating.

    If you are concerned get your rad onc to show you a picture of what is actually happening (available after your first treatment) and ask them to explain the peripheral damage--which is measured against known damaging doses.

    Marg

  • sandramj's avatar
    sandramj
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Bravo,  This was the exact thing I was very concerned about.  YES there is a new method now called Breast Radiotherpay with Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) where we the patient hold our breath when told and hold it tell told to let go (20 seconds) and this means our lungs and hear are stretched longwise and also pulled away from the breast wall. here's a Wikipedia explanation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_inspiration_breath-hold. My oncologist confirmed my research that they do use it particularly with women with left breast cancer.  Its wonderful all the new research they are doing and have done bringing things like DIBH to us to lessen the damage to our organs.  Best of luck. I start radiation on 26/5.  for 30 sessions.   

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    I didn't have radiation but from others I think they can monitor the intensity and the depth of the rays. My sis in law did cop a bit on rib bones and the top of one lung but not too damaging and she is almost 20yrs cancer free now. She's getting older but she does still do veteran running competitions.