Forum Discussion

NicD's avatar
NicD
Member
10 years ago

Happy to be trying these radiation techniques

I start radiation therapy in 2 days and I'm really happy about 2 aspects of my radiation treatment at Wesley in Brisbane:

1.  Mepitel film - I had this put on as a test last week and found it ok to handle.  It will be applied the day of my first treatment and will stay on for the whole 6 weeks.  I'd be asking for it if no one mentions it.  My radiation oncologist told me that the results are very encouraging from this technique and any burn is reduced.

2.  I am fortunate enough to be going private, but there may be public hospitals who also have machines for what's called DIBH.  Deep Inspiration Breath Hold is designed for women receiving radiation to the left side.  This technique removes the heart from the area of radiation, which is wonderful.  I was scanned doing the breathing during my planning day and yes, my heart would have been touched by radiation without this technique, so we're going ahead with this.  

These both seem like great advances to me and hopefully we'll see the day soon when they are the norm.  Has eveyrone heard of these?

(Stage IIA/Grade 3 BC - Lumpectomy + 4 rounds AC + 30 radiation + Tamoxifen)

 

  • NicD's avatar
    NicD
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yes, I was surprised because I'm allergic to quite a few dressings and the test film that was put on last week went fine. 

  • NicD's avatar
    NicD
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your experience. Hoping it will fly by!

  • NicD's avatar
    NicD
    Member
    10 years ago

    That's great, so glad to hear DIBH is available at PA.  Thanks and good luck to you!

  • Krissy's avatar
    Krissy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello there,

    I am using the Mepitel film, the first to do so at the Ballarat Base Hospital. The whole team here have been enthusiastic and very interested to see what results we get. I am having my right breast treated. It does roll in areas where there is more movement/friction but can be smoothed out or just replaced. You get used to having it on and my breast looks nice and firm as a result! You are right to suggest that we ask for it to be used. Anything that reduces the effect of the radiation on the skin can only help us recover more quickly from the treatments.

     The Deep Inspiration technique you mention is also used here and it is a public hospital. The oncology unit here is connected to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne so they would use it there also. I am told that they are going to trial the Mepitel film for head and neck region cancers at the Alfred.

    Best wishes for your treatments, take care of yourself, eat well, rest when you need to. And make plans for life cancer free!

    Kristine

     

     

     

     

  • AMM5's avatar
    AMM5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi NICD

    I started radiotherapy last Monday with Mepitel film.  I am allergic to a few dressings but have found it tolerable so far.  You have to be careful showering but thats a small inconvenience if your skin isnt effected.  Also if it peels off due to sweating or movement, your breast nurse can simply repair the effected area with a new piece.  Very pleased so far as not having to apply cream all the time is a bonus!

    Best of luck

    Annmaree

     

     

  • Alsopt's avatar
    Alsopt
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you for that I'll be starting 12 weeks of radio Feb after this wonderful chemo I've been offered the breathing but not the film so going to push that one xx let us all know how you go 

  • Piak's avatar
    Piak
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi NICD

    I hope you will be OK with the Mepitel film as I was experienced. I was treated at Wesley (Genesis) as well and just completed the 30 treatments 3 weeks now.I have no problem with skin during or after the treatment at all so my guess is I did not have to spend my energy on dealing with burning, blistering problems I did not feel tired either.  The staff there are very professional and very nice as well so my 6 weeks passed real quick.

    I learnt about DIBH from the Genesis website as well so it should reduce problems to people who have to have left breasts treatment.

    Good luck with your radiation.

    Piak

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hi NICD

    The deep breathe technique was developed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and is available there for public patients.

    I have also had a left side Mastectomy and am starting 5 weeks of radiation next week.

    Good luck with everything,