CT Simulation Day for Radiation Treatment

  I had my CT simulation to set up for my radiation treatments today. I have one more simulation run through Friday. My actual radiation therapy start date is next Monday, August 19th and will be Monday through Friday for 30 twenty minute sessions.

 The following information was found on a great site by MD Anderson, but adapted in content for my specific situation:

 The CT simulation will produce a scan for the team to plan the angles and shapes of the radiation beams for treatment. These plans are designed by medical dosimetrists, who carefully plan and calculate the proper radiation dose for each treatment. Simulation often takes 30-45 minutes.

 During simulation, the table will move forward and backward to different positions. The lights in the room will be turned on and off. You will see laser lights on each wall.

 While you are on the table, the staff will take CT scans. The radiation oncologist will use these scans to pinpoint the exact treatment area to target during radiation therapy.

 Here are some other things to expect during the simulation:

• Skin markings/tattoos
• The therapist will draw on your skin with a felt marker to create a marking. These marks act as landmarks to help position you for treatment. If permanent markings are required, the therapist will use a sterile needle to deliver a pin-size drop of ink. Three permanent markings were required for me.

• Breath-Hold or 4DCT technique
• If you are receiving radiation near rapidly moving organs such as the diaphragm, your team will show you how to do the breath-hold or 4DCT technique. This is done several times during the planning process and treatment. You use a snorkel looking device to take as deep of a breath as you can without moving. That is used each time to ensure your organs are out of the radiation field, for me it is the heart.

 

From my consent, here is the list of early reactions that are possible:

1. Skin changes, redness, irritation, scaling, blistering, ulceration, discoloration, thickening and hair loss in the treated area
2. Breast changes including swelling, tightness or tenderness
3. Lung inflammation with cough
4. Inflammation of heart sac with chest pain and palpitations

Here is the list of late reactions that are possible:

1. Changes in skin texture and/or coloration, permanent hair loss and scarring of the skin
2. Breast changes including thickening, firmness, tenderness, shrinkage
3. Swelling of arm
4. Stiffness and discomfort in shoulder joint
5. Rib or lung damage causing pain, fracture, cough, shortness of breath and/or low grade fever
6. Nerve damage causing pain, loss of strength or loss of feeling in arm
7. Damage to heart muscle or arteries or heart sac leading to heart failure
8. Second cancers may develop in or adjacent to the irradiated area - 1-3% chance in 10-20 years

This just makes me smile so I wanted to share.