Just diagnosed with DCIS: How do I know what questions to ask?

I have not started radiation yet, today is CT scan mapping. I will be doing 20 treatments.

Any tips on what to do / prep for radiation treatments?

Just make sure your skin is kept as comfortable as you can. The best piece of advice I can give you is to prepare for some fatigue. Most people have some level of fatigue from radiation, mine was 30 treatments and I remember getting just exhausted mid day at my store. I would go to my office and sleep a half an hour in my chair to get through the day. Then at night I would take a little nap before I could even eat dinner. I was in my 30’s and definitely not ready for this level of fatigue. It took a little while to get my energy back, plenty of protein will help that happen.
You got mapped today? That takes quite a while, radiation won’t! It took longer to get undressed and dressed after than the actual treatment. Lol
Don’t forget that your radiation tech is your first resource on most days, don’t hesitate to ask them for what you need.
How did mapping go?

Thanks again for the input! I am actually at the drs waiting for my turn for the CT scan mapping. Will keep you posted after.

I am certainly not looking forward to the fatigue. I have spoken to someone else as well who shared her experience with it. The radiology onco also warned me about it too, and he said just take naps when you can and don’t fight it. Lol. I don’t know how this will work when I’m in the office (I plan to continue working while undergoing treatments). Luckily I have my own space so I will most likely close my door.
I’ve been trying to read more and more to see if there is anything else that can help with the fatigue, and like you said, protein does help.

Hello, did the mapping yesterday. Now I got tons of stickers and sharpie marks on me lol.
I’m supposed to go back on October 18 to so the final staging process and the nurse said I could either do the first session that day or schedule a bit later.
It felt real again yesterday, a bit emotional. But I can’t live in fear. I have to trust that God will walk me me through it all.

You’ll be ok. The actual treatment only about 5 minutes and you won’t feel a thing. Don’t forget to use cream/aloe Vera throughout the day and at least 2 weeks after the last session. If you worry or are nervous about anything, just come here and share your thoughts. Venting is good, we’re on the same boat. Hugs.

Thank you so much!

I’m scared of radiation burn actually (I scar easily and take forever to heal). And fatigue. And long-term effects. Basically the whole thing. I have not thought about it lately, it’s been a while after I had the infection and started healing so I feel good. Then Monday kinda hit me again when I went for my mapping.

I try to shrug it off, and honestly pray . He’s already led me this far.

I admire those that are going through much worse than me and are much stronger - mentally. It’s like they say, you never know how strong you are, until that is your only choice.

I think even the strongest person faces some kind of anxiety when diagnosed with cancer. Talking it out is cathartic and good for your health. Do not worry much about radiation. Most of us are old, yet we experienced minimal side effects. Keeping walking and listening to your favorite music when you can. Hugs.