[Sandra in GA]

I had radiation following a double mastectomy because I had 21 positive nodes on the diseased side (left). I was very apprehensive because my left arm is my "work arm." I had polio as a small child that affected my right arm, so I have very limited use of it. I did not want to lose use of my left. After much research of all the side effects that could occur, I made a detailed list of questions for my radiation onc. After talking with her and accepting that I had had 21 POSITIVE nodes, I decided to go ahead. Being a nurse, I did decide I would apply ice immediately after each treatment alonw with the 99% Aloe she recommended. I had no burns. At the end of the treatment the onc and her nurse wanted to know what I had done to keep my skin looking so good.

On my scans now, there is a small amount of scaring in the upper lobe of my left lung. It causes me no problems. My heart was not affected. They will use mapping and shields to protect yours. Since my radiation followed my Taxol (was still receiving Herceptin and Tykerb), I started feeling better each week. It was only at the end of the treatments that I began to feel somewhat fatigued. It was no where as severe as the fatigue from the regulat chemo.

I wish you good luck. This treatment was one of the easier ones for me. I suggest you make a list of your questions and concerns and then be open to the answers you recieve. I am glad I did it.

Sandra