@texashummingbird I was at MD Anderson, had radiation therapy using VMAT (volume modulated arc therapy) where the radiation moves in 360 arc, guided by CT. I did the breath controlled where the beam only started when I had inhaled enough air. The radiation was laid out in what looked like concentric ovals with the center getting the most radiation.

Questions I would ask:
-Will the consecutive sessions increase the risk of cell damage (internal not the external skin). Ask: Would you be surprised if I had no hardening of tissue one year from now?
-Is the everyday treatment for the clinics benefit or for you the patient?
-How much cGy will I get each day? (I had 600 cGy, high in today's standards)
-Do you expect the area being radiated will include areas that have lymph vascular system? If so, do you expect that there will be fluid retention? Temporary? If so, will I have follow up care to help me know whether I should apply compression and how much?

The reason I suggest these questions: daily radiation if at a high enough level has the potential to cause more long term damage to the internal tissue.
Asking if he would be surprised about your outcomes means he needs to focus on your specific issues and not just answer with a population-based statistic.
It seems evident to me that a part of my lymph system, not the nodes, don’t work as well, Causing swelling. But my radiation was between 6:00 and 9:00 at the outer area of my right breast - where there are lymph branches. Your target area would be different from mine. Knowing what to look for based on the tx you’re given helps you to know when to bring up a potential problem.
Getting good follow up care is important - I think I didn’t convey my concern well enough, my breast did have some swelling, and it was flushed pink with underlying blood vessels near the skin. I discussed that with them. What I did was loosen the surgical bra a little - no pink! But I ended up with a seroma which may have been because I loosened up the bra. I do not have lymphadema, but I do have a seroma that keeps the breast sitting up a bit - other breast is softening more due to age. But still, they are pretty closely matched, with the nipple at the same level on each side.

BTW, I’m also in Texas, north of Austin. I drive to Houston for tx.

@texashummingbird , I will start my treatment next week at Mayo too, for 3 consecutive days. I had a lumpectomy 4 weeks ago, DCIS, 8mm, clear margin. My total does is 21.9 Gy. What is yours?
Hugs and prayers that everything will go well.