anyone ever had radiation for breast cancer?

Question

I have cancer of the breast from calcifactions what is the radiation treatement like for that? What do they do for radiation treatement

Answer 1

Hi. I did 5 weeks of radiation for breast cancer. The first day is called a similation. They set up how you will be getting your radiation by using xrays and marking the skin with permanent dots (tattoos). You will have your own "pillow" that they use every time that is shaped to your body and they will put a thick and sticky pad on your chest called boulis (I'm not sure about the spelling). I did radiation Monday through Friday for 5 weeks and by the end I was pretty burned. Write this word down...Xeroform...I used it when I blistered and bled. It is a gauze pad that has a numbing agent in it, so it helps with the burn immediately. I could not have gotten through it without that stuff. Try the clinic you go to, call pharmacy's, and try eBay. I remember seeing some being sold on there a few years ago.

The point of my radiation treatment was to kill any possible cancer cells remaining in my chest because I had close margins after surgery. I would drive an hour to Mayo, radiation would take about 15 minutes, then drive an hour home. Plus working, plus having two toddlers at home. It was hard, and there were days that I was just exhausted, but I kept in mind that it was only for 5 weeks.

I have done everything that I can to battle breast cancer. I did chemo, radiation, double mastectomies, I take Tamoxifen, I am in a study, and I just finished a years worth of treatment (Herceptin). That's all I can do. So now I wait.....

Answer 2

I am associated with an Cancer institute and seen so many breast cancer patients who received Radiation from most modern Liner accelerator machines. During the course of radiation the patient will not have any sort of effect or pain at any stage as the time involved is less than 1 minute. So the question of teeth hurt etc., are not expected. The side effects of radiation for breast cancer have improved considerably over the past decades. Aside from general fatigue caused by the healthy tissue repairing itself there will probably be no side effects at all. Some patients do develop a suntan like change in skin color in the exact area being treated. Like with a suntan this darkening of the skin will fade with time. Other side effects that have been experienced with radiation are: reddening of the skin muscle stiffness mild swelling tenderness in the area long term shrinking of the irradiated breast So do not worry about teeth hurt. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Here's a good source of information regarding Radiation for Breast Cancer treatment. Much good luck to you.

Answer 4

I had a lumpectomy and radiation. It was a long arduous process and tiring, but well worth it to know I was reducing my chances of a relapse.

Consider getting Susan Love's The Breast Book

Answer 5

i got done with radation last month...The radiation therapist will escort you into the treatment room. The therapist will help you onto the treatment table and help place you in the correct treatment position. Once the therapist is sure you are positioned correctly, he or she will leave the room and start the radiation treatment.

You will be under constant observation during the treatment. Cameras and an intercom are in the treatment room, so the therapist can always see and hear you. If you should have a problem, you can let the therapist know. It is very important that you remain still and relaxed during treatment.

The therapist will be in and out of the room to reposition the machine and change your position. The treatment machine will not touch you and you will feel nothing during the treatment. Once your treatment is complete, the therapist will help you get off the treatment table. The radiation therapist will take a "port film," also known as an X-ray, on the first day of treatment and approximately every week thereafter. Port films verify that you are being accurately positioned during your treatments.

Port films do not provide diagnostic information, so radiation therapists cannot learn about your progress from these films. However, port films are important to help the therapists maintain precision in your treatment.Small marks resembling freckles will be tattooed on your skin along the treatment area by the radiation therapist. These marks provide a permanent outline of your treatment area. Do not try to wash these marks off or retouch them if they fade. The therapist will remark the treatment area when necessary.

During your treatment, radiation must pass through your skin. You may notice some skin changes in the area exposed to radiation. Your skin may become red, swollen, warm, and sensitive -- as if you had a sunburn. It may peel or become moist and tender. Depending on the dose of radiation you receive, you may notice a loss of hair or decreased perspiration within the treated area.

These skin reactions are common and temporary -- they will subside gradually within four to six weeks of completing treatment. If skin changes appear outside the treated area, inform your doctor or primary nurse.

Long-term side effects, which can last up to a year or longer after treatment, may include a slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores on the breast, increased or decreased sensitivity of the skin, a thickening of breast tissue or skin, and a change in the size of the breast.

To reduce skin reactions:

Gently cleanse the treated area using lukewarm water and a mild soap such as Ivory, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, or Aveeno Oatmeal Soap. Do not rub your skin. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel or use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
Do not scratch or rub the treated area.
Do not apply any ointment, cream, lotion or powder to the treated area unless your radiation oncologist or nurse has prescribed it.
Do not apply cosmetics, shaving lotions, perfumes, or deodorants on the treated area.
Use only an electric razor if you need to shave within the treated area.
Do not wear tight-fitting clothing or clothes made from harsh fabrics such as wool or corduroy -- these fabrics can irritate the skin. Instead, choose clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton.
Do not apply medical tape or bandages to the treated area.
Do not expose the treated area to extreme heat or cold. Avoid using an electric heating pad, hot water bottle or ice pack.
Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight -- sun exposure may intensify your skin reaction and lead to severe sunburn. Choose a sunblock/sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Protect yourself from direct sunlight even after your course of treatment has been completed.
Everyone has a different level of energy, so radiation treatment will affect each patient differently. Patients frequently experience fatigue after several weeks of treatment. For most patients, this fatigue is mild. However, a loss of energy may require other patients to change their daily routine.

If your doctor thinks it may be necessary for you to limit your activity, he or she will discuss it with you.

To minimize fatigue while you are receiving radiation treatment:

Be sure to get enough rest.
Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
Pace your activities and plan frequent rest periods.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Personal Concerns About My Treatment?

Generally, a social worker will be available to help you during your course of treatment.

The social worker can discuss any emotional issues or other concerns about your treatment or your personal situation. The social worker can also discuss housing or transportation needs or appropriate resources if necessary.

People dealing with certain medical issues often find it helpful to share experiences with others in the same situation. Your physician can provide a list of support groups if you are interested. Your social worker can provide additional information about more support groups that may be of value to you.

What About Follow-Up Care?

After your radiation therapy sessions are complete, you will visit your doctor for periodic follow-up exams and diagnostic X-rays. Your doctor will tell you how often to schedule your follow-up appointments.

Answer 6

NOT JET, I HAVE BREAST CANCER AS WELL RIGHT KNOW I RECEIVE KEMO, PUT REAL SOON I WILL GET RADIATION, THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT IS NOT THAT BAD.

Answer 7

check out breastcancer.org for details...it's a good site

Answer 8

I dont no about that but DONT DO KEMOE