Consult with radiologist tomorrow

[jeffrc5890]

So I have my initial consult with radiologist tomorrow AM. They didn't really tell me what to expect, but from what I've seen it will be an exam, review of scans and such. I think then a second appointment will be a "mock" meaning preparing for the first "real" rad session. Any input is appreciated.

[bjones1128]

What are you having radiated? Depending on what it is, a lot of times they will make a mold. I always had them do it at the same appointment so I wouldn't have to come back for a "mock."

[cathy123]

My first appt with the radiation onc was just to go over treatment, ask questions etc.

At the mapping appt they set me up in the radiation machine, did some scans which they used to set up my radiation protocol, made very small tattoos on my hips which were used each time to make sure I was aligned correctly, and made a mold for my legs which was on the table for each radiation treatment. Radiation treatments started about a week after that.

[JudeD59]

It's painless, easy, and nothing to worry about. The most important thing is to hold still. They will adjust you by pulling the sheets under you and you just have to be dead weight and not try to help. I think it took about 45 minutes for me. They use a needle to give you small dot tattoos on both hips and on your tailbone. The hip ones didn't hurt at all and the tailbone one just stung for a minute. Then when you go in for your regular treatments, they line you up using those tattoos so they send the radiation to the right spot every time.

My first appt was to hear what the radiation oncologist had to say and to ask questions, so make a list and take it with you. The second one was for the planning session where they mold plastic around your legs and give you the tattoos. They also do a CT scan then. Then the actual treatments start about a week later. Every time you go in for a treatment, your plastic mold will be on the table and it keeps your legs in the right position. It's not uncomfortable at all. At my hospital, they do a CT scan every Mon, Wed, and Fri to make sure the alignments haven't changed. It only adds a couple of minutes to the session. The technicians that do me are angels--really friendly and supportive. They also try to leave me a shred of dignity by keeping my butt covered as best they can during the whole process. They get you all set up, which only takes a couple of minutes, then they leave the room during the actual treatment, then they come back in to help you off the table.

Judy

[jeffrc5890]

They actually scanned and tatted me up today. One less visit. Start treatment a week from today. The facility is less than a mile from my house and they were able to schedule most of my appointments late in the afternoon, so I can just drop in on the way home from work. Wonderful people there too!

[JudeD59]

Glad you have that taken care of and can get your treatment started.

Judy

[DarknessEmbraced]

Glad you have everything scheduled and that the facility is nearby. Good luck!

[JudeD59]

Plus...now you can brag that you have bad azz tatts!!!

[kbedz]

Hi. Kristin, here. I don't post much, but I read/lurk. I want to get involved more, so here I am, posting to your thread! I had radiation for my "bad ass" following my 12 rounds of chemo, mainly due to where my tumor was located. It was a fairly easy procedure. Like what was mentioned here, I had the "tats" and the scans. I had the cans weekly. I guess shrinkage can occur due to weight loss and they needed to make sure because they do such a small area.