Radiation Therapy Markers & Photo Documentation

Radiation Markers

On July 9, 2014, I met with my radiation doctor, Dr. Williams, of the Athens Cancer Center at the Castrop Center.  After meeting with him and reviewing my case, he informed me I would be getting my markers for radiation that day.  I was expecting this, so I bravely walked down the hall to the room with a table and a CT scan machine.  At this point, I feel as if I've had so many various types of scans nothing phases me anymore.  This was just yet another test.  However, I was a little nervous simply because I didn't know what to expect.  I've attempted to outline what they did below for anyone facing the start of radiation.

First, I was asked to remove my clothing from the waist up.  I was given a gown and shown a changing room.  I giggled a little as I was removing my clothing because I've had my top off in front of so many nurses and doctors at this point.  I could have stood in the hall and took my clothes off without thinking twice.  But, for the sake of those around me, I changed in the dressing room.  Upon entering the CT scan room, I was asked to lay on my back on the table attached to the CT scan.  It was freezing in the room, and I was already fighting to keep myself still and not shiver.  Measurements of my chest were taken.  Strips of what looked like tape with small metal wires inside of it were attached to me down the center of my sternum, just below the bottom of my left breast, up my side and beneath my arm, and across my collar bone.  Essentially, a box around my left breast was formed.  I was then asked to hold onto a post that was above my head on the table with both arms.  This was very difficult as I had not yet gained full mobility of my left arm.  But, I tried to think of everything I could think of to take my mind off how painful it was--like how cold I was. 

A CT scan was then done with the markers in place.  The markers, which contained the small metal wires, show up on the scan and are used to plan out my radiation therapy.  This marks the area that needs treated.  A physicist uses this to determine where the radiation is targeted, avoid my heart and lungs, etc.  Because my breast cancer was on my left side, I am at risk for radiation affecting my heart.  However, I simply have to have faith in God and my physician's abilities.  Do I really have a choice?  My diagnosis has forced me to have faith in God and someone besides myself over the past 10 months even if it's not what I want to do.  I'm learning to let go and trust.  After the scan was complete, the tape was removed.  A large X was marked on me with a sharpie between my breasts and under each arm.  Clear tape was placed over this to keep the marks in place.  I would receive radiation tattoos at my next visit and the X's could be then removed. 

Radiation tattoos are small dots that are placed in the same location as the X's were.  They are used to line up the machine each time you receive radiation so it's specific for your body size and measurements.  They are very small and look like a small freckle.  I have various flat freckles on my skin anyway, so to me, it's not even noticeable.  Getting the "tattoo" was not like getting a real tattoo.  It's literally one small prick to insert the dot of ink.  It stings for a second.  The one between my breast hurt the most.

I was then done with my appointment to receive markers.  It takes about a week to two weeks for them to create your treatment plan based on the tests and your specific measurements.  I began my first radiation therapy appointment on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.  I receive radiation every day Monday - Friday.  My plan calls for 28 treatments.  This means I should have my last radiation appointment on August 28, 2014 provided I have no setbacks.  I am planning to update my blog once per week regarding how my radiation is going, how I feel each day, etc.  One update will contain 5 days worth of updates for the previous week.  I will be including photos of the area that is being radiated.  I have thought about this long and hard as I know it will be controversial to many.  However, the purpose of this blog is to educate those who wish to learn more about breast cancer and the associated treatments and most importantly, to guide those who are facing breast cancer and treatments.  The effects of radiation are mostly related to skin changes, and me simply talking about changes I see will not do it justice.  I feel photos are the only way to truly document my radiation treatment.  I will be covering the front portion of my breast to maintain a sense of privacy for myself; however, if a particular area becomes problematic, I will be showing it.  Please be advised if you do not wish to see this, then I do not recommend reading my blog.  I ask that you keep in mind the general intent and purpose of this blog before judging the content. 

Stay tuned for an update regarding my first week of radiation coming this weekend! 

God Bless!