••• June BC Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

Hi 

Which hospitals offer partial breast radiation?

Thanks Shelby

Hi Could somebody put on here the chart from last month the accelerated Radiotherapy .I found this very useful. I start tx on th3 4th

Hi All

I have some RT questions which I would appreciate some help with.  This is in the context of clear margins, no LVI or nodal involvement.

With regard to left-sided treatment which RT would be least detrimental to the heart and lungs, eg 5 or 15 sessions, or partial breast etc?

Would axillary node treatment be required or recommended, if all nodes were described as clear?

Which RT is considered to be the most effective, in the above context?

It may be a tricky one but which RT tends to have the least long term problems?

Generally, how long does it take a treated breast to return to normal?

Does the breast always noticeably shrink after RT?

Is the scar itself, and hard scar tissue within the breast detrimentally affected?

The consultant said no endocrine therapy during RT.  They would not be prescribed until after. What has been your experience?

Is R1 R2 really the best?

Should /can a bra be worn during and after each session?

Did you drink a lot of extra fluid during treatment?

Thanks

D

Hi 

Here ya' go...

https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/one-week-course-of-radiotherapy-could-benefit-women-with-early-stage-breast-cancer-study-finds

I am on day 3 of the FF treatment. 
The radiologist said the drinking water thing wasn’t for Breast mainly things like pelvis. 
I got Flamigel from the hospital and didn’t bother with the R1 R2 as that is apparently made for a longer course of treatment and not the FF. The Flamigel seems great, there is also an itch cream which I will ask for tomorrow as it has drove me mad all weekend. 
The nodes don’t get it directly but they did say that when the beam came in from the side it would catch under my armpit.

Does anyone know if it is standard to get a boost? No one has mentioned that to me at the hospital. 

Claire

Hi CBRY, I’ve had five days, followed by four days boost - last day tomorrow and I’m excited about it because then I’ll be finished woo hoo! 

Dedalus, you don’t wear a bra during treatment but I’ve worn one before and after. I don’t know about R1/R2, no one spoke about it over here. I’ve been using aqueous cream and the radiotherapist remarked on Friday that my skin is looking very good. I’m a little spotty over towards my cleavage and have been using Bepantiseptic cream on it. I’ll be seeing the nurse tomorrow after my final session and will mention it to her, in case she can recommend anything better.  

Hubby and I are planning a little picnic tomorrow to celebrate me finishing my treatment and coming through this whole experience. I’ll also wear the lovely earrings I bought myself as a memento of this time in my life. 

Thank you .

HI socialdancer

I should have expressed myself more clearly.  I don't expect a bra would be worn during the actual RT.  I was trying to establish whether one could be worn whilst attending for RT and immediately after RT.

BW

D

Hi Dedalus

I'm afraid that's a lot of questions and to be honest the answers for each one is probably different for every single person!

I've had BC twice, 13 years ago and last year. Same cancer type, same surgery,except for the number of nodes removed. Same number of sessions and each boob has reacted differently. I have reacted differently and the side effects have been different.

It would be difficult to give you a definitive answer. The last question is the easiest to do. It isn't necessary to drink loads more water. Normal good hydration is really all that's needed.

Do what the staff say, they are the experts and they will be watching you very closely. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time. It is as they say the best healer.

Hi Socialdancer

I do not wish to be a prophet of doom, but just be a little cautious. The actual treatment may be nearly over but it's affects can carry on for while after the last hospital visit.So be kind to yourself.

Enjoy your picnic and your earings

Hugs