My new road: radiation? (Page 1 of 3)

One of the side effects of radiation treatment is fatigue which usually accumulates over the course of treatment.  I had radiation treatment for my breast cancer years ago and it was a fairly easily tolerated treatment.  The side effects are different depending on where on the body radiation is being used.

The actually treatments (after the initial setup stuff) are pretty quick... mine took less than 15 minutes from arrival to departure.  In my humble opinion, traveling hours to get a treatment that you can get locally is not a prudent use of time.

Is there something you think that you can get from going to NYC everyday that you don't feel you can get locally?  If it's the communication between docs that concerns you then I would make that completely known to both doctors and make sure they understand how important it is to you that they work together and keep each other and you informed.

Good luck with your treatment Kris.
Hugs,
-Randi-

I had the same concern as you, but stayed local in Sarasota. The equipment is the equipment, they should be able to map out where the radiation needs to hit and no matter where you are, the 'zapping' if you will should be the same. My doctors never had a problem communicating with Sloan either. I would stay home. So far, I've driven to each of my appointments and haven't had an issue. Yes, tired, but not to the point of being unable to function, just naps more often than not! Good luck, hope you made some calls this week and are getting it figure out.

Audrey: I have an appt. scheduled with Dr. Lee (Richard) that is an onc in Princeton at the Medical Group. I don't know if I'm keeping it or not. It depends on Dr. Kemeny. I have to have an onc. who's staff knows how to access the port. And Dr. Lee's office does, but only for the 2 week heparin/saline solution.
Derin: nice to see you again!
And to all: Dr. Kemeny called me last night. I'm waiting to hear from her again today... it seems she wants a "special" radiation that might not be offered at Fox Chase. I'm sure it is, but I still have the issue of the pump to deal with. So I wait..... I was also going to do a little scouting if I went to Fox Chase. I was going to discuss my diagnosis with an onc and/or surgeon and see if they agree with Dr.'s Kemeny and Fong. I love Dr. Fong, but if I can get treatment that I agree with 15 min. from home, I might consider it..... don't know yet.

I love my surgeon but since I can get my foot into the door at Fox Chase why not ask?? It's 15 min. from my home as opposed to 3 hrs. I know, I know, I don't have to fly. But still. It's all about the options. We don't have many, so I'll research the ones I do have!

So here's the latest news: Dr. K. acted like the radiation she wants me to get is new. She said 2-3x a week, which is much more doable.

She wants me to have either conformal or stereotactic radiation. Not new, according to Fox Chase Cancer Center. They've been doing both since around 1999. And they do have a bile duct dept. (for lack of the word I really am looking for).

Dr. K. says I can go to Fox Chase. YAY!!!! Now all I need to do is get Dr. K's office to fax FCCC the necessary paperwork and stuff. I have my last 2 CT scans on disk. And all the original stuff. I don't have the April-Feb. stuff. I hope they don't need that. I do have all the paperwork that comes with it.... hopefully that's enough.

I guess I'll find out next week.

Lainy: I have to tell you the dance instructor taught "I Need a Man" on Thursday. Of course I had a blast with that one!!!!! But the song goes something like "Not a Boy, I need a Man, need a Man!" Needless to say everyone who knows me was laughing and pointing that this is my new song!
Who knows? Maybe I'll meet not only some great staff at FCCC but maybe I'll also meet a "MAN"!!!!

I'd like to meet someone with a job, a car and a place to live. Even that's hard!!

Oh, Kris, I could just scream.  I don't understand why patients, who are going through enough already, need to be their own coordinators. 

I hope you get in soon.

Take care,

Susie

Tomorrow is the big day. 3-4 hour apt. with radiologist. I guess I get to learn what stereotactic radiation is all about. I don't know what tomorrow is going to hold: I have no idea what they are going to do for 3-4 hours... another scan? My tats?? My mold?? I guess I will find out. No sense speculating: I have NO idea... so if you are reading this before 10:30 (or even later) on Tues. Eastern Time, send up a prayer, positive thought or whatever positive vibes you believe in...
Thanks a bunch.

Kris....you must know that a tidal wave of support is heading your way. 
In re: to Stereotactic radiation (also called pinpoint radiation)
A special scan pinpoints exactly where the tumor target is located. Some machines have the ability to adjust for patient motion including, breathing whereas other machines require a special holder. The purpose is to give high amounts of radiation in a short period of time (one to five days) and spare the surrounding tissue and organs.   

Numerous companies market these special machines: Primatom, Synergy, CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, Novalis, Axesse, TomoTherapy, Triology, X-Knife, or Trilogy. 
Tons of hugs and best wishes,
Marion

Good luck Derin! I guess I'll miss you this trip, too!