The BOOST

Many people that are going through radiation often ask me to explain THE BOOST. Radiation treatments are scheduled Monday through Friday, once a day for a number of treatments (weeks). This is the plan to pace these out and how soon these start are often based on the facility you are working with and or hospital. The waiting to start can be hard as many thoughts are going through your mind at this point and most of us just want to get it done.  You may have to have Chemotherapy first and your doctors may not want you to get chemo and radiation at the same time. Skin care is another consideration during this time and it is important to follow religiously what the doctor has told you as some products can interact with the radiation.  The first time there is always the scariest as once again you are facing the unknown. You are told to change into a gown for your upper body and that includes removing your undergarments, necklaces are not recommended. You are taken into the treatment room and the technologist is working to set up the machine to your specific needs and getting you ready.  The table looks like most xray tables that you may have been on with the exception of a large arm that is over your head but nothing to make you feel claustrophobic. There will be an armrest above your head which you will hold on to on the affected side and this is why it is important to keep good mobility of that arm.  Radiation is then given at a number of different times from different angles.  There are cameras in the room as your technologist will leave the room when you receiving treatment but will able to see you and hear you throughout the treatment  so if you need to talk to the technologist you will be able to at anytime during the treatment. I often tell patients it takes longer to dress and undress than receive your radiation treatment. 
Now comes the question of boost.  After treating the whole breast you will be given an extra amount of radiation on the spot where the tumor was. This boost is given at the area where the tumor was.  This does not require hospitalization and really you may not notice anything different other than the technician has told you that you are getting a boost now. There is another type of boost where they actually under anesthesia of some type, put in a radioactive implant and is usually left in for 36 hours.
One of the most common side effects that you do hear from patients is fatigue.  I recall saying at the time I was going through radiation that I was tired, bone tired.  It almost felt like it took too much effort to breathe but of course you do. This will dissapate with time. Some also experience some kind of skin reaction and your tissue does feel different after radiation. It actually may look like you sunbathed on just one side.  You may continue to have some tenderness or soreness but that also will decrease over time. After you have completed your radiation treatment, your radiation oncologist will continue to see you as wil your surgeon.  That is what boost does mean and I hope that this cleared some of the cob webs for you on this subject.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of any medical institution.

Making it a great day! S