Radiation Markings 05.22.2008

Today, Thursday May 22, 2008, after the radiation treatment (#21 0f 30) Ron told me to "hold tight--we're going to do the simulation for the boost treatments." Boost treatments are not really increased dosages of radiation; it's a reduced field size with the same dosage. Why it's called "boosts" I don't know.

So, here's the markings. Dr. DeBiose included the nipple, because he believes that if it's ductal cell carcinoma, all ducts run to the nipple, so include it in the narrower field. Interestingly, the doctor, the nurses, and the technicians all said that female radiologists exclude the nipple. (Because of the burns?? I don't know...)

I agree with Dr. DeBiose in including the nipple. We also agreed that if the nipple doesn't "hold up" we can change the field at any time. That is the other marking just above the nipple, on the edge of the areola.