First Radio planning meeting - what questions to ask

Going through breast cancer treatment Radiotherapy
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Hello all

I’m 3 of 4 TC cycles in.

I received my radiotherapy planning meeting a week after chemo ends.

I had a lumpectomy (with a 2 surgery for better margins mixed IDC/DCIS 3.2cm) with one sentinel node with cancer cells considered macromestasis but did not bulge / poke through a capsule

2nd node was clear and a pet scan came back NED so we made the decision NOT do an axillary clearance

Breast surgeon did say I would need radio ok the right breast and armpit

What should I be thinking about? Any questions around duration, side effects, impacts to the rest of my body (think it is the lung in the right side?)

With both surgery & chemo I was very well researched so feel like I understood the deficions and made some patients changes that both my breast surgeon & onco were happy to advocate for me.

I hope to go into this part of the journey to be same.

Any thoughts welcome (now to ask the same q about questions in the hormonal thread :wink:)

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Hi idcand49, hope you are doing well.
My oncologist went through what to expect and all my do’s and donts. I would certainly find out how many sessions. I had 5 but it can be many more depending on the individual. I would also ask about moisturiser. I was given two types but understand some areas dont provide them and you have to get your own. I did get very red and blistered a little bit but all healed in the end. Make sure you keep hydrated with plenty water. I got very tired after the first two sessions. Plenty rest helped a bit. I dont think radiotherapy to your right side is an issue. I was the left so had to do breath holding.
Hope it all goes well - I am sure you will be fine.
Take care x

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Thank you

I gather it’s more straightforward on the right but know due to armpit being done lymphodema is a risk ( but much lower than if I did an axillary)

Did you have “boosts” ?

Not sure what the difference is.

Will ask re moisturisers :pray:t2:

As for being tired chemo is taking its toll. Guess this why why they wait 4-6 weeks for the actual sessions but better plan for some fatigue

Thank you :heartbeat::heartbeat::heartbeat:

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I didnt have ‘boosts’. I gather they are extra doses???. No chemo for me so just the radiotherapy tiredness. I had my planning ct and started radio the following week, so all very quick x

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I’m hoping mine is quick as desperate for a break from hospitals ! :wink:

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Hi. I’m 9 days into 19 sessions of radiotherapy. I’m having 15 normal sessions and 4 boosters. I was told that the technology is so great now that the lungs are very rarely affected.
I would definitely ask for morning appointments, delays in my hospital are annoying in the afternoons. Expect some fatigue (pretty sure you’re used to that),
My skin has been ok so far but ask what moisturisers they recommend. I’m using aveeno, seems to be ok
Good luck

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Thanks for the morning appt tip!
And keep hearing about “boosters”

Will ask what that entails

And more fatigue … guess still need to rest around work and home life

Argh. X

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Hi just finished my course of 5 sessions. Drink plenty of water and start moisturising before the course starts. I used centroben expensive but very soothing 4-5 times a day and continue after treatment for several weeks. Post radiotherapy was bad came on suddenly about 5 days after treatment but signs of it settling now 2 weeks after sessions. Rest up don’t expect too much of yourself and take care.

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Thank you !