Radiation Boost - "A Little Extra" At The End of Radiation
Early-stage breast cancer is often treated with a lumpectomy or mastectomy and radiation therapy. Even though the tumor may have been small and no metastases were found, women and their doctors still look for ways to prevent a recurrence. The technique of giving a radiation boost at the end of treatment has been very effective in keeping breast cancer from coming back.
A radiation boost is one or more extra treatments targeted at the tumor bed. This extra dose covers a small area and affects the tissue where cancer is most likely to return. Radiation boost treatments are given after the regular sessions of radiation are complete. Women who are 40 years old or younger at time of treatment get the most benefit from a radiation boost, but patients of all ages will have a lower risk of recurrence if they receive a booster treatment.
On Friday last week, the techs measured me for the boosts and also did the CT simulation. Unfortunately it made me dizzy! the machine and the table were moving at the same time and I had to close my eyes. I guess that will be the game plan for those 5 sessions, to lessen the dizziness.
I am beyond done with radiation at this point. I know I only have 9 to go but I wish it was zero! All in good time I guess.
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