Forum Discussion
Started Radiation 'boost' today
Hello everyone!
Today I'm on my final wk of Radiation. The boost as we call it. And I must say I'm so happy not to have to hold my damn breath for this 1!!! Most of you know I'm a radiation therapist so I know the ins and out of this treatment but I admit I found the holding my breathe very difficult and anxious, and I apologise to anyone else who has to do it! I have some feedback for my department so hopefully we can tweak it and make it less stressful.
In other news my skin is starting to break down in the expected places, (collarbone, armpit a d under my breast).
I hope everyone is travelling ok with their treatment xx
Today I'm on my final wk of Radiation. The boost as we call it. And I must say I'm so happy not to have to hold my damn breath for this 1!!! Most of you know I'm a radiation therapist so I know the ins and out of this treatment but I admit I found the holding my breathe very difficult and anxious, and I apologise to anyone else who has to do it! I have some feedback for my department so hopefully we can tweak it and make it less stressful.
In other news my skin is starting to break down in the expected places, (collarbone, armpit a d under my breast).
I hope everyone is travelling ok with their treatment xx
32 Replies
- @Joannie not at all. This technique is relatively new and before it was introduced we saw very few radiation induced cardiac toxicities (most caused by a coexisting problem) but I suppose it's a case of if not make it better why not try it. The technique does benefit by lowering heart dose but if the technique is not used we still manipulate the dose in other ways to ensure the heart is kept within tolerance. Its actually not the heart itself that's the issue but a tiny artery called the LAD that runs on the outside of the heart that is the concern. The placement of this artery is different for everybody so if it's in a good spot there is no need for the added anxiety of the breath hold..
- @Joannie I'm not sure of the exact percentage, minor maybe 10%. We find at planning we rule them out due to having asthma or simply not following instructions rather than not holding enough. You'd be surprised even 0.5cm makes a big difference.
- Thanks ladies x
- All the best @joeyliz ... almost there ... be prepared for some emotion on the last day ..... which is totally normal xxx BOZ cream was recommended for me after my boost .... wishing you all the best! Xxx your feedback will be invaluable!
- There's nothing like personal experience to know where the tweaks should be @JoeyLiz
Hi @JoeyLiz I had the holding the breath Radiation like you. And I was so happy on the last week not to have to do it. I remember walking in the room on the first day of the last week and seeing NO breathing thingy. I felt my whole demeanour change and there must of been a smile on my face cos the lovely lady asked If I had been told the last week was a boost and I didn't need to hold my breath. I am sure I had been but it hadn't registered.
Hope you heal quickly.
XXXX
- Ouch! Good luck for the final week!
- Way to go @JoeyLiz. My skin broke down at this point too. Soon you'll all done. <3
