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Radiation - IMRT
Hello to all,
I am in week 2 of radiation, and have been meaning to post this information for everyone since then. When I arrived for my radiation consultation I was surprised to learn that there was more than one type of radiation?!
As it was explained to me there was normal radiation and then there is IMRT. According to the radiation oncologist IMRT is the "cadillac" of radiation. She also stated that some insurances do not cover IMRT. (That figures)
I am receiving IMRT Radiation which is...
Intensity modulated radiation therapy is a state of the art treatment that allows radiation therapists to "sculpt" the contours of a tumor, sparing the adjacent heatlhy tissue. A tumor is an irregularly-shaped malignant growth amidst normal vital body parts. With conventional radiation treatments, potent doses of radiation are delivered to the general areas of the tumor, which means exposure to both cancerous and normal tissue. With IMRT technology, radiation oncologist can deliver radiation to a tumor with more precision and accuracy, resulting in the potential for fewer side effects and higher cure rates.
Traditionally associated with major medical centers such as M.D. Anderson and Sloan Kettering is now available at UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers)
HOW DOES IMRT WORK ?
A radiation oncologist uses three dimensional computerized scans to visually chart the location of the tumor and surrounding normal tissue. Once charted, the information is transferred electronically to a physicist. These specialists use virtual reality simulation to plot a radiation treatment. An optimal plan requires hours of calculations. Then the treatment plan is sent back to the cancer center to a linear accelerator. Radiation beams are delivered in approximatley 300 different segments, focusing the radiation on the tumor while minimizing the dose passing through normal tissue.
LOVE TO ALL
__________________
Susan V - Pittsburgh PA
DX Age 37 on August 3, 2006
Stage 1 Grade 3
ER/PR + (Highly Positive)
Her 2 +++
1.3 & 1.2 tumors right breast
node negative
lumpectomy 8-15-06
A/C Began 9-5-06 Finished A/C 11/6/06
Port Placement 9-15-06
Negative Test for BRAC1 & BRAC2 10-25-06
Began Tamoxofin November 21, 2006
First Herceptin November 27, 2006 Continues every 3 Weeks
First Radiation Treatment December 11, 2006
35 Rads Completed
Final Herceptin Treatment November 12, 2007
Port Removal November 19, 2007
Living Life to the Fullest !!
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