Hi to all undergoing radiotherapy, I’m three days into 15 treatments and have been nervous about side effects right from the start.
On Friday I foolishly looked at a NHS document on the internet that confirmed ladies who had left sided radiotherapy in the 1980’s and before, had a higher incidence of cardio problems. It went on to say modern radiotherapy used much safer levels of radiation and was more targeted but it should still be taken into consideration when making treatment choices.
When I went for Fridays treatment, I told the radiologist my concerns and so she showed me my C.T scan to show what small area was included in the field of radiation. It was a small corner area, left lung a bit bigger area, the radiologist obviously tried to convince me that it was very small risk and that the oncologist would not have signed the paperwork if he’d felt the risk was too great.
The trouble is now I feel so sick with worry I don’t know if I can go back on Monday. Are there any ladies out there with left sided radiotherapy who can give me any reassurance?
Much appreciated Andrea.
Hi Bannibug
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their experience and advice please do give the BCC helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you can talk through your concerns with a trained member of staff who will offer you a listening ear as well as support and information. The lines are open again on Monday at 9am until 5pm.
I hope this is is helpful.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
I had left sided radiotherapy and they explained the dose was much lower nowadays and damage to heart and lung was very unlikely.
X
I’ve got the same problem. I’m having the rads. I think for me the fear of the cancer recurring is greater than the fear of any other problems.
Jo
Hi Andrea
My radiotherapy is right-sided so no heart to consider, but I was a bit shocked when the consultant told me 2cm of my lung would be irradated and scarred for life. He absolutely assured me that there would be no affect to lung capacity or function. 2cm is the most they’re allowed to damage.
I was shown the diagrams of the CT scan and area to be treated, and because the rays are glancing from both sides they don’t go too deep.
I know it’s awful thinking about SEs. I’ve spent many sleepless nights worrying about them just as much as the cancer. But in thelong run, for me it’s worth the risk.
If you have a healthy heart, hopefully you’ll fare well. xxxx
What worries me is cancer caused by rads. The consultant told me it was really rare, but i know one person who thinks her recurrance after 12 years is due to previous rads and I’ve seen people on this site who think the same thing.
*Sigh* Damned if we do and damned if we don’t
Hi
I was given tomo therapy as too much of my heart and lungs would have been affected by conventional rads. It does increase my chances of lung cancer later and for me cancer in my good breast due to the scatter rays. It is a chance I have taken. There are no guarantees with any treatment.
Debx
Hi
I had my planning on Saturday & due to start 3 weeks of Rads on 1/3/11.
My left boob being zapped. I was given the standard warnings of heart/lung but assured this was very rare. I think worry of DCIS coming back (possibly invasive next time), family history etc means I have no doubts about having this.
I think as the Rads are so carefully planned it is a very small risk that this will effect lung/heart capacity.
Basically keep an eye out for anything which concerns & get it checked.
Take care
Lynne X
I was worried about that and hated having rads for that very reason. I had to speak to someone after my first session because I was worrying so much. She explained the % benefit as opposed to the % risk of other damage. The former far outweighed the latter in my case.
I was also told as others that the area of heart/lungs that might get zapped is tiny and even then they’re probably not in the field the whole time due to breathing.
I was also told that it seemed to be more common for women to have BC in their left breast.
If you’re still worried, then talk to someone else be it at the hospital or helpline and hopefully they’ll be able to put your mind at rest. It’s a harsh treatment and there are risks with it, but then we also know what cancer can do.
take care, Elinda x
Thank-you to all who replied, It’s so reassuring to know I’m not alone in my concerns and that I’m “normal” to worry.It was also reassuring that your individual professionals are all saying exactly the same to you as to me
I went along today and as luck would have it the lovely macmillan radiotherapy nurse specialist who has been an emotional life saver came along to see me.
We spoke for ages, I showed her the paper that had caused my anxieties and she reiterated that treatment has come such a long way since the eighties and before(when treatment had been given in the study)She commented that I appear more concerned about side effects than recurrance and I suppose thats because I had DCIS and did’nt have the fears of it being invasive(though I’m aware a recurrance could be invasive next time).Also my dad died aged 47 of heart disease(nothing to do with radiotherapy I hasten to add),so I’ve already got 4 years on him.
Whilst on the table I imagined my heart being protected in a lead lined box that the rays could’nt penetrate, I also tried to visualise any stray rogue cells being well and truly zapped!!
When I got home I put every leaflet/booklet/printed internet info about radiotherapy into a carrier bag and put it in the back of a cupboard.I know the risks/ I know the benefits, I don;t need to read about it any more. I have the biggest incentive ever to try to remain healthy for my heart and lungs sake, i.e exercise/keep weight down.
PLEASE PLEASE let this sense of positivity stay with me longer than 24 hrs and once again thank you so much to those that replied, there was’nt one of you who’s comments provoked more anxiety from me(which is blooming good going!!!)
4DOWN 11 TO GO…Now where did I leave that lead lined box???
Andrea x