› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Types of radiation
- This topic has 15 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 10 years ago by
jenny22.
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- February 18, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Tomorrow we are going in to get the plan for my father’s radiation therapy. They mentioned on the phone it will be done from three different angles to the right armpit. Does anybody know what different types of radiation for this area there are? Sounds like they are doing a four week 20 session plan.I think sometimes they do more intense Radiation but fewer sessions. Is this correct? What makes them do one and not the other?
They did an upper body CT scan to be able to see the lymph area clearly. Tomorrow they are taking an xray to make sure they mapped it the way they want.
Thanks!
Annie
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- February 18, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Hi Annie,
Dealing with this disease is no fun. I have been through two rounds of radiation therapy to treat very large subcutaneous tumors that were were causing pain and lifestyle difficulties as opposed to life-threatening tumors effecting major organs. Because these tumors were near the skin surface, and large (three total ranging from 6cm to over 9cm. My radiation oncologist opted for an aggressive 5-dose regime using high-powered external beam radiation. I'm no expert, but I suspect that size and location of tumors dictate the appropriate treatment plan. Overall health may also play a part in whether one can tolerate the large dose treatment. Side-effects for me were mostly sunburn type skin irritation with expected ichyness as skin heals. Otherwise the process is painless. I must say we have been successful in knocking down these large tumors and returning me to a normal lifestyle. This is no cure, although evidence points to radiation combined with immunotherapy may increase chance of the treatment being more effective in achieving a systemic response.
Gary
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- February 18, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Hi Annie,
Dealing with this disease is no fun. I have been through two rounds of radiation therapy to treat very large subcutaneous tumors that were were causing pain and lifestyle difficulties as opposed to life-threatening tumors effecting major organs. Because these tumors were near the skin surface, and large (three total ranging from 6cm to over 9cm. My radiation oncologist opted for an aggressive 5-dose regime using high-powered external beam radiation. I'm no expert, but I suspect that size and location of tumors dictate the appropriate treatment plan. Overall health may also play a part in whether one can tolerate the large dose treatment. Side-effects for me were mostly sunburn type skin irritation with expected ichyness as skin heals. Otherwise the process is painless. I must say we have been successful in knocking down these large tumors and returning me to a normal lifestyle. This is no cure, although evidence points to radiation combined with immunotherapy may increase chance of the treatment being more effective in achieving a systemic response.
Gary
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- February 18, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Hi Annie,
Dealing with this disease is no fun. I have been through two rounds of radiation therapy to treat very large subcutaneous tumors that were were causing pain and lifestyle difficulties as opposed to life-threatening tumors effecting major organs. Because these tumors were near the skin surface, and large (three total ranging from 6cm to over 9cm. My radiation oncologist opted for an aggressive 5-dose regime using high-powered external beam radiation. I'm no expert, but I suspect that size and location of tumors dictate the appropriate treatment plan. Overall health may also play a part in whether one can tolerate the large dose treatment. Side-effects for me were mostly sunburn type skin irritation with expected ichyness as skin heals. Otherwise the process is painless. I must say we have been successful in knocking down these large tumors and returning me to a normal lifestyle. This is no cure, although evidence points to radiation combined with immunotherapy may increase chance of the treatment being more effective in achieving a systemic response.
Gary
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- February 18, 2016 at 7:00 pm
My father also had a high dose radiation (3 sessions) for his lung cancer. But this was highly specialized requiring almost a body suit to immobilize him and split second adjustments to radiate only his lung while he was still breathing. It is very labor intensive on setup and treatment. I think the longer course of radiation is less intensive and doesn't require such "exacting" details. Especially if radiation is done to just clean up an area instead of pinpointing a tumor – the longer treatment and lower dose might be preferable. Not sure on that one, just thinking out loud.
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- February 18, 2016 at 7:00 pm
My father also had a high dose radiation (3 sessions) for his lung cancer. But this was highly specialized requiring almost a body suit to immobilize him and split second adjustments to radiate only his lung while he was still breathing. It is very labor intensive on setup and treatment. I think the longer course of radiation is less intensive and doesn't require such "exacting" details. Especially if radiation is done to just clean up an area instead of pinpointing a tumor – the longer treatment and lower dose might be preferable. Not sure on that one, just thinking out loud.
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- February 18, 2016 at 7:00 pm
My father also had a high dose radiation (3 sessions) for his lung cancer. But this was highly specialized requiring almost a body suit to immobilize him and split second adjustments to radiate only his lung while he was still breathing. It is very labor intensive on setup and treatment. I think the longer course of radiation is less intensive and doesn't require such "exacting" details. Especially if radiation is done to just clean up an area instead of pinpointing a tumor – the longer treatment and lower dose might be preferable. Not sure on that one, just thinking out loud.
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- February 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Hi Annie-
I just completed Radiation, on the neck. Mine was recommended for local control after 2 recurrences in the same spot…I met with multiple rad oncs for consults before decidng on which type.
The shorter hi dose course is five fractions of 600 cGy each twice week over 2.5 weeks…..this is I beleive the protocol now used by MD Anderson. However,I also beleive that there may not be much difference in the overall results between the two protocols….I tried to include a link for you but wasnt able to.
The other protocol is 20 treatments , lower dose, spread out over 4 weeks, 5 days a week ….
After my assorted consults and research (NYU, MSK, Rutgers, and MSK in NJ) I chose the hi dose over 5 treatments….
I will also tell you that for me the side effects were very manageable……had a tough time swallowing a week before the alst reamtnet….DOC presrcibed a pain patch (12mcg fentenol)..it helped….i treeted my sefl to ice cream, and believe it or not BABY food (love the peachs!!!) It imrpoved pretty quickly…
The rash and redness didnt happen until a good 2 weeks after last treatment….the worst about that was the itching, though no other discomfort…It is JUST about gone now and dont think anyone would even notice…I feel fortunate as I expected much worse and it wasn't too bad at all!!!!!
Again, I am not sure anatomical location palys a aprt, but I would certainly ask about the high does shorter course .
Best of luck!
jenny
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- February 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Hi Annie-
I just completed Radiation, on the neck. Mine was recommended for local control after 2 recurrences in the same spot…I met with multiple rad oncs for consults before decidng on which type.
The shorter hi dose course is five fractions of 600 cGy each twice week over 2.5 weeks…..this is I beleive the protocol now used by MD Anderson. However,I also beleive that there may not be much difference in the overall results between the two protocols….I tried to include a link for you but wasnt able to.
The other protocol is 20 treatments , lower dose, spread out over 4 weeks, 5 days a week ….
After my assorted consults and research (NYU, MSK, Rutgers, and MSK in NJ) I chose the hi dose over 5 treatments….
I will also tell you that for me the side effects were very manageable……had a tough time swallowing a week before the alst reamtnet….DOC presrcibed a pain patch (12mcg fentenol)..it helped….i treeted my sefl to ice cream, and believe it or not BABY food (love the peachs!!!) It imrpoved pretty quickly…
The rash and redness didnt happen until a good 2 weeks after last treatment….the worst about that was the itching, though no other discomfort…It is JUST about gone now and dont think anyone would even notice…I feel fortunate as I expected much worse and it wasn't too bad at all!!!!!
Again, I am not sure anatomical location palys a aprt, but I would certainly ask about the high does shorter course .
Best of luck!
jenny
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- February 18, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Hi Jenny
I am interested in your experience with the neck radiation.
I am being fitted for some type of protection to face today and will start two weeks of neck radiation on Monday. ie Every day for two weeks and maybe three according to the doctor.
Mine is being done to a mel in the C2 joint of the neck.
Is it going to badly affect my mouth and teeth?
Any tips for creams lotions potions etc to help with discomfort…..i was thinking aloe vera might help?
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- February 18, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Hi Jenny
I am interested in your experience with the neck radiation.
I am being fitted for some type of protection to face today and will start two weeks of neck radiation on Monday. ie Every day for two weeks and maybe three according to the doctor.
Mine is being done to a mel in the C2 joint of the neck.
Is it going to badly affect my mouth and teeth?
Any tips for creams lotions potions etc to help with discomfort…..i was thinking aloe vera might help?
-
- February 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm
Hi Anon-
Here is my experience.
I was told to have a dental checkup which i did…prior to starting..I had a routine teeth cleaning and general check up.
Had Simulation planning and was also fitted for the mask. The fabric (as I recall) is mesh like and then hardens to act as MASK. They can cut open a place for your nose to make it more comfortable. I am VERY claustrophobic and as a result they gave me a prescirption for VALIUM…I took it for the simulation and for EACH of the treatments. I took 10mg, about 15 minutes before each treatment was to start. The techs knew to let me know when they were 15 minutes away from being ready.
The size of radiation field was directly under my chin, (Mid line), to the right, down to my collar bone, and just behind my ear…including the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Regarding creams, lotions and potions….they gave me the tube, of exactly what they want their patients to use. It is called RadiaPlex Rx Gel.
I am sure each DOC or institution has its own favorites. I would apply it after the treatment and again at bedtime, the goal being to keep the area moisturized. After the treatment ended they then reccommended Aquafor….a little greasier…I would use the Radiaplex gel during the day then apply the aquafor at bedtime…..
Happy to tell you more about side effects, but they were really VERY manageable and much less than what i had heard from some.
I had the high dose regimen…5 treatments, 2x a week for two and half weeks.
Best of luck,and let me know if you want more details
-
- February 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm
Hi Anon-
Here is my experience.
I was told to have a dental checkup which i did…prior to starting..I had a routine teeth cleaning and general check up.
Had Simulation planning and was also fitted for the mask. The fabric (as I recall) is mesh like and then hardens to act as MASK. They can cut open a place for your nose to make it more comfortable. I am VERY claustrophobic and as a result they gave me a prescirption for VALIUM…I took it for the simulation and for EACH of the treatments. I took 10mg, about 15 minutes before each treatment was to start. The techs knew to let me know when they were 15 minutes away from being ready.
The size of radiation field was directly under my chin, (Mid line), to the right, down to my collar bone, and just behind my ear…including the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Regarding creams, lotions and potions….they gave me the tube, of exactly what they want their patients to use. It is called RadiaPlex Rx Gel.
I am sure each DOC or institution has its own favorites. I would apply it after the treatment and again at bedtime, the goal being to keep the area moisturized. After the treatment ended they then reccommended Aquafor….a little greasier…I would use the Radiaplex gel during the day then apply the aquafor at bedtime…..
Happy to tell you more about side effects, but they were really VERY manageable and much less than what i had heard from some.
I had the high dose regimen…5 treatments, 2x a week for two and half weeks.
Best of luck,and let me know if you want more details
-
- February 18, 2016 at 10:42 pm
Hi Anon-
Here is my experience.
I was told to have a dental checkup which i did…prior to starting..I had a routine teeth cleaning and general check up.
Had Simulation planning and was also fitted for the mask. The fabric (as I recall) is mesh like and then hardens to act as MASK. They can cut open a place for your nose to make it more comfortable. I am VERY claustrophobic and as a result they gave me a prescirption for VALIUM…I took it for the simulation and for EACH of the treatments. I took 10mg, about 15 minutes before each treatment was to start. The techs knew to let me know when they were 15 minutes away from being ready.
The size of radiation field was directly under my chin, (Mid line), to the right, down to my collar bone, and just behind my ear…including the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Regarding creams, lotions and potions….they gave me the tube, of exactly what they want their patients to use. It is called RadiaPlex Rx Gel.
I am sure each DOC or institution has its own favorites. I would apply it after the treatment and again at bedtime, the goal being to keep the area moisturized. After the treatment ended they then reccommended Aquafor….a little greasier…I would use the Radiaplex gel during the day then apply the aquafor at bedtime…..
Happy to tell you more about side effects, but they were really VERY manageable and much less than what i had heard from some.
I had the high dose regimen…5 treatments, 2x a week for two and half weeks.
Best of luck,and let me know if you want more details
-
- February 18, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Hi Jenny
I am interested in your experience with the neck radiation.
I am being fitted for some type of protection to face today and will start two weeks of neck radiation on Monday. ie Every day for two weeks and maybe three according to the doctor.
Mine is being done to a mel in the C2 joint of the neck.
Is it going to badly affect my mouth and teeth?
Any tips for creams lotions potions etc to help with discomfort…..i was thinking aloe vera might help?
-
- February 18, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Hi Annie-
I just completed Radiation, on the neck. Mine was recommended for local control after 2 recurrences in the same spot…I met with multiple rad oncs for consults before decidng on which type.
The shorter hi dose course is five fractions of 600 cGy each twice week over 2.5 weeks…..this is I beleive the protocol now used by MD Anderson. However,I also beleive that there may not be much difference in the overall results between the two protocols….I tried to include a link for you but wasnt able to.
The other protocol is 20 treatments , lower dose, spread out over 4 weeks, 5 days a week ….
After my assorted consults and research (NYU, MSK, Rutgers, and MSK in NJ) I chose the hi dose over 5 treatments….
I will also tell you that for me the side effects were very manageable……had a tough time swallowing a week before the alst reamtnet….DOC presrcibed a pain patch (12mcg fentenol)..it helped….i treeted my sefl to ice cream, and believe it or not BABY food (love the peachs!!!) It imrpoved pretty quickly…
The rash and redness didnt happen until a good 2 weeks after last treatment….the worst about that was the itching, though no other discomfort…It is JUST about gone now and dont think anyone would even notice…I feel fortunate as I expected much worse and it wasn't too bad at all!!!!!
Again, I am not sure anatomical location palys a aprt, but I would certainly ask about the high does shorter course .
Best of luck!
jenny
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