Burnt to a crisp..
 

but doing fine. Hyperthermia isn't all that bad. The worse part is lying in the same position of an hour while the tech. heats up your skin.

I'm sharing the details since someone in our her2 family might benefit from this treatment. Hyperthermia can be used in areas that have already been treated with radiation. It can be used if there is skin involvement or some neck nodes. Also, if a tumor is close to the surface like possibly in the tummy area.

First: regular radiation on the table but at a lower dosage.

Second: A medium sized bag of water attached to the arm of a machine is pressed down on the area that has just been radiated. Utra sounds then go through the water and heat up the skin. You can get restless if the temp. gets too hot or sometimes the bag pressing down on you can get really uncomfortable.

I get treated twice a week. Sorry, that is a really rough description of it.

So far, I am happy with the treatments.

Tonya

Tonya, thanks so much for sharing. You are such a wonderful woman. I hope you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm praying that your treatments work.

thank you for detailing your experince. We can all benefit from this information.

Kim

Tonya

I just want to add that I am thinking about you. Make sure you get Silverdene or any other recommended burn creams you can or pure 100% aloe (Fruit of the Earth is one brand). Ask what you can use. After bathing or showering, give yourself enough time to pat dry and then lay on the bed to air dry well.

Are you still on Herceptin or was that postponed too (just wondering how that all worked out).

You are the first person I know of to get radiation treatment this way so you are bringing alot of knowledge to the board.

Rest well. I know you are taking care of yourself.

Gentle hug for now and a bear hug later

I was very burned from my regular radiation, so I think you are very brave to undergo these treatments. Please use the creams and rest. I will keep you in my prayers.

Wow, I never knew that one exisisted. Thanks for the info!

Hi Tonya,

Thanks for sharing your experience of hyperthermia. Although I thnk that it's been around for years, it's been making a comeback lately and they also do it at NYU Medical Center in NYC and Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC., both major cancer centers. And I'm sure it's done at other centers like the UC system where you are.

I'm glad that you are tolerating the treatments well.

Your in my prayers for a complete recovery.

Joan

Thank you for explaining the tx. I am very hopeful that it will do the trick and keep the mets away.

Gentle Hugs,
Lexi

Tonya, I think this will be the key for you! You're so brave to try something different so that you can get good results! I can't wait to hear the news of your great response! Sending positive thoughts and many prayers, ma