Anyone had a Radiation “Boost”?

I had 5 'regular' sessions of radiation with 4 boost sessions immediately after the first 5. It took about the same amount of time.The setup for the boost took an extra few minutes, that's all. I am 69 years old and was diagnozed with breast cancer in May 2023, DCIS. The side effects of extreme tiredness began almost immediately after the 9 sessions. 3 weeks after I finished, a large burn appeared on the inside of my breast near my armpit, where the lymphnode was removed.It took about 3 weeks for that burn to settle, the entire area peeled, like a BAD sunburn. Aveeno moisturizer relieved the burning and kept the area soft. Now the skin in that area feels thicker but there are no visable effects, not even the ' tan' that I was prepared to see. There were precancerous IDC cells found outside the lymphnode. I found the boost sessions interesting. Just watching the machines doing their thing. The radiation dept. staff at our cancer center made this whole process So easy. They explained everything step by step and even asked if I had any music requests ! Sting sang to me through every session! I hope this helps.

I also used that cream for radiation itchy and soreness. I am curious to why you chose proton beam other than the obvious as I had a consult at MGH as really wanted it for my ILC but the MGH team didn't think it would at all be a better approach than whole beam. At MGH they typically use proton beam for head, neck pediatric patients. I sure wish it was more widely used but very expensive and few in USA but good for you!

I had radiation boost at my last 3 appointments. Need to make sure they’ve got all cancer cells.

I was offered both proton and photon radiation at Mayo - Rochester. I chose proton because it was less likely to affect my heart and lungs.