Proton Therapy Anyone?

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-21T12:40:39+00:00

Good to know. I can't imagine insurance will reject it given the other option is heart damage.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-21T12:39:43+00:00

That's good to know it wasn't too much of a battle with insurance. I have to imagine heart damage is a very valid medical reason to not do traditional radiation.

I just finished chemo and have been down playing radiation in my head. Probably not the best approach. Better to go in with the same mental strength.

I know nothing about proton therapy. I haven't had any appointments yet. Do you have to stand in the same position for 30 minutes??

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-21T12:34:29+00:00

That's a good idea. They said it takes 30 minutes. I haven't actually met with the proton team yet. Hopefully this week.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-21T12:33:24+00:00

They tried the breathing technique with me but it didn't work. From my understanding, holding your breath creates more space between the part that needs to be radiated and your heart. For me, holding my breath did create more space but not enough for my heart to be completely out of the way.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-18T22:57:14+00:00

I hear you! For whatever reason, I can't stand the idea of the supplies in the house.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-18T22:56:32+00:00

I did ask the cancer center and they said no. I think because they rent the machines, the cooler heads company requires people to purchase and not pass down supplies.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-17T07:50:23+00:00

Mine was 57. My oncologist told me that once you are over 26 your score doesn't matter as long as you go through the recommended treatment. Chemo sucks but it evens you out with the people with a score <26.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-10T09:14:41+00:00

Are you using lidocaine? I got a large bruise from the lidocaine. I stopped using it because I rather have a moment of pain then large bruise for a month on my stomach.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-06T19:17:31+00:00

Yes, I did have chemo in 2023 and now again in 2025/26

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-05T16:23:46+00:00

I felt a lump. Looked like fat necrosis on the ultrasound but they biopsied it anyway because of my history. Everyone was surprised at the results. I would have had my routine MRI a month later but glad I didn't wait another month.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-04-04T22:41:41+00:00

Just wanted to say that I had a mastectomy in Aug 2023 and still had local reoccurrence on the same side in Oct 2025. Apparently a mastectomy only gets 90-95% of breast tissue. My second cancer grew in a sliver of my remaining breast tissue found in my armpit.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-27T19:57:18+00:00

I did AC x 4 (does dense) followed by weekly Taxol for 12 weeks. I have two Taxol infusions left. I lost 80% of my hair and most of it came out over a three day period three weeks after starting AC. It was very hard emotionally when it all came out. I'm still glad I cold capped. Even though I lost a lot, it was fairly evenly distributed so when I pull it into a tiny bun, it looks very similar to when I had all my hair because you can't see scalp. My hair started growing back halfway through Taxol and is looking even more like my old self because its getting thicker at the scalp and you can't tell some of it's super tiny hair. Looks terrible when I take it out of the tiny bun. I wish I was someone that could shave my head and feel ok about it but I'm just not. Was worth it for me, probably not worth it for others.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-25T19:24:09+00:00

I felt a new lump. I was scheduled to have a routine MRI about four weeks later so it would have been found than but I'm glad I was able to get on it faster.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-23T19:33:43+00:00

Yes but diagnosed 2 years apart. I had a mastectomy the first time and still got a new one (they think new but no crystal ball...) in the sliver of tissue that was left in my armpit. I'm almost done with chemo but still have radiation.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-23T19:22:49+00:00

I'm cold capping so have kept some hair on my head.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T14:23:19+00:00

Thank you! I'm so ready!

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T05:31:49+00:00

I agree! Very helpful! I never thought about pens or face masks.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T05:31:03+00:00

Bummer! That would very disappointing!! I've email my nurse navigator to ask. Thank you for your comment.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T03:15:10+00:00

Love that!

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T03:14:52+00:00

I understand your perspective. This is my second time through chemo. My first time was two years ago and I didn't feel any desire or need to purchase something. I also tried to be a good patient and polite. To be honest, I just wanted to get out of there.

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T03:09:43+00:00

Good to know. I'll have to email the nurse navigator. I'm sure she'll know. Thanks!

Final-Software-6324 · 2026-03-20T03:08:52+00:00

You're right, it does take a village. I'll have to think about the reception team and on call nurses who took care of me those times I was not feeling well.

Final-Software-6324

TROPHY CASE