--- In friendsforlifefoundation@yahoogroups.com, "pathlaw1"
<hlsrbd@...> wrote:
>
> --- In friendsforlifefoundation@yahoogroups.com, "Hillary Sweet"
> <hillary@> wrote:
> >
> > Someone I know is going to have to have radiation after her
> > lumpectomy. She is concerned that radiation is going to affect
her
> > heart and may lead to other problems. They are going to be
radiating
> > the whole breast. Has anyone heard that this is a concern? Maybe
> > someone who has had radiation can make her feel better about the
> > treatment. I would really appreciate people sharing their
radiation
> > experiences. Thanks. Hillary
>
> I have never heard or read about radiation causing damage to the
heart.
> The photon beam only penetrates so far and does not extend to the
heart
> in any amount to cause any damage. The beam itself is tailored to
a
> particular patient in each case.
>
> Jeff
> >
>It may be intersting for people to know that (according to my
radiation oncologist), there actually is minimal exposure to the
lung and heart. Before treatment, the doctors map out your
organs, and can see how much radiation your lung and heart will
receive. Typically there is a little scarring to the lung that
is detectable on x-rays. Before treatment, your doctor can show
you how much radiation your heart and lung will receive. Loren