My first consult with the radiation oncologist was about a month after my surgery. The doctor spent some time explaining the role of radiation in cancer treatment. Radiation treatment to the breast is to kill any remaining cancer cells in the area from surgery. Although I had a lot of reservations about radiation treatment, I decided to proceed with it since I wanted to reduce the chance of recurrence the best I could.
I had hoped for a targeted treatment where radiation is directed only in the area where I had cancer. However, since the margins around the DCIS found during surgery did not have sufficient margins, she insisted on a whole breast radiation. During the consult the doctor estimated I would need 21-25 sessions of treatment. It would be everyday, Monday through Friday, for 5-10 minutes. No treatments on the weekends or holidays. Once a week, on Tuesdays, I would stay afterwards to be examined by the doctor.
The doctor recommended a prescription cream called StrataXRT to put on immediately before each session. Insurance did not cover this though, so I would have to pay $89 out of pocket. It's supposed to provide a protective barrier. I looked it up after getting home and it seems studies show its benefits to be inconclusive. The doctor also gave me a sample of Eucerin to moisturize the affected area at other times of the day. Nothing besides the StrataXRT can go on my skin within 4 hours of treatment though. The treatment area included the area under my arm, so no deodorant use for a while.
I was sent home with a booklet with some information on radiation and side effects. Nothing in today's discussion or the booklet prepared me for what I went through with these treatments.
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