Radiotherapy 5 plus or 15 plus sessions

I’m starting 15 sessions tomorrow. 45miles round trip. Just resigning my life to it for 3 weeks. Following with interest though! Best of luck

happy to come back on here with any side effects as I go if helpful……

Thanks, I have my planning appointment provisionally on the 24th, oncologist wants to be there, as I raised a few issues, otherwise it would have been the 10th. She's off on the 10th and my son is home from oz on the 17th, haven't seen him for 2 years .

I need to decide before the planning on how many as treatment will start 2 weeks after.

I read you managed not to have the tattoos, that's one of my issues. How are they doing yours without them?

PS I replied to you comment to me last week, don't know if you saw it x

Hi redc

do you know I’m not sure I can answer the issue of the tattoos but maybe the newer machines don’t require them. I was put in a frame and my position was measured etc and that’s what they’ll use for all the treatments

my bcn was surprised about the tattoos but said she’d just done a conference and had found out that’s the way they are increasingly doing it.

anyway really hope they know what they are doing!!

I had the 5 plus 5 booster as it was during covid lockdowns and they wanted to limit your time in hospitals.

I found it completely fine, and I think the shorter number of days may mean you are less tired out, with fewer trips to make.

I didn't get any excessive burning. I think you end up with the same amount of radiation as the longer timeframe.

I had chemo first, so I did find rads very easy compared to that. I think people feel the tiredness effects more if they only have rads.

With such a long round trip, I'd be tempted to take the shorter, more intense option.

On the tattoos - I had them and they are three tiny dots. One on my breast bone and one under each arm. I really don't notice them, though I understand that some women don't like them.

Hi Redc

Just reading about your tattoo issue. I am due to have my CT planning session tomorrow. Oncologist told me I was having 5 sessions - no idea why - she didn't explain just rushed off to another meeting leaving me with a Dr (?) training in oncology who didn't have a clue and was not able to answer any of my questions. I made a fuss about the tattoos as I was adamant I didn't want to be left with permanent marks. Some people are not fussed but I am. I got a call a few days later saying that they would be doing the radiotherapy without tattoos just pen marks. As I have been promised things in the past about treatment that have not happened, I will wait for tomorrow and see what happens. Be your own best advocate - it's your body. x

I had the temporary markings as I did not want tattoos.  I was having radiation on both breasts too so that was a definite no for me.  All went well and glad I did it as it can be done.  There are new machines now where no marks are needed as the machine remembers.  How nice.  

I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy in April following L mastectomy in February.I had a small mark after planning session which disappeared and was told that was ok .During covid the usual 15 sessions were reduced to 5 at a slightly higher dose and this was  found to  be just as good as 15.I had no skin problems just advice to not expose myself  to sun .

Anyone use flamigel? Did you put on before the radiotherapy as just every day during?? 
thanks!

Hi c22 Im intrigued  as to why you would use flamigel as it is only for burns or where there is a wound needing treated and unless Im reading your post wrong that is not the case for you. Please dont use anything before your treatment as they wont be able to give you the radiotherapy if your skin is not completely free from any creams etc. After Radiotherapy sessions  it is good to moisturise with something very gentle and dont rub, like Aloe Vera or Simple lotion but not Flamigel.