I was intrigued by your comment about participating in a study using a breathing apparatus...unless I am assuming too much, I think that I am using that same apparatus for my radiation treatments...and it's just a matter of course, not experimental! They said they are using this procedure because they are radiating my left breast, which would normally put my heart in line with the field of radiation-of course, not a good thing. They call it "respiratory gaiting" (I think)...they did CT scans during my simulation sessions and had me hold my breath so they could "track" this small plastic box they put on my belly. The box is a part of every treatment for now. Once I'm all set up on the table and the coordinates are lined up, they leave the room, shut the big metal door and instruct me over an intercom to take in a breath. They watch ("track") the box via closed circuit camera and tell me if I need to take in more or let out some air. Once it's the right amount, they turn on the machine while I hold my breath for 30-45 seconds. Then again from the opposite side and I'm done, unless they are taking "films." Does this sound like what you're having done, or is it something different?

Jolene

TracieJ

1/ 7/08 8:28pm

Hi,  I am doing almost the same thing as you, but without the box.  Aparently around here that is not standard protocal for the left breast, but apparently they think it should be.  I had to do 2 heart scans before treatment and will do 2 at about 6 months after treatment is over.  That way they will be able to measure damage on the control group (no breathing machine) vs. the breathing machine.  I'm curious where you are and what hospital.  I guess they are simply trying to prove the effectiveness at John Hopkins, maybe for the insurance companies?

Jolene Boyd

1/ 8/08 7:27pm

Perhaps so!  Oddly enough, I'm just in little MN at Abbott NW Hospital.  Not to demean the quality of care provided and research conducted at the hospital, but I would think Johns Hopkins would be farther ahead!  Who knows?  There is probably something that we don't even recognize that is key here.