Connect
Anyone had GentleCure (IM-SRT) for Basal Cell Carcinoma?
@pianist3 This sounds like a type of radiation I had some years back for a basal or squamous cell carcinoma I had on my face. Honestly, I've had so many over the years, I've lost track of the specifics, but I do recall going for a type of low level radiation treatment over the course of a few weeks. Is that what you'll be having? I've pretty much run the gamut for every type of skin cancer and interventions: creams, electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), MOHs, wide local excision. Basal cells can be handled relatively easily and painlessly, especially with targeted treatment as you describe.
You're definitely wise to be using sunscreen. Here are a few more helpful pointers: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer
I'm anxious to hear how you do after the procedure -- can you adding a follow up?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@2buddy I would try to find another facility that does SRT. My impression from the various radiation therapists I had treating me is that the ultra sound exam before each session was, if I may use an expression not heard since my childhood, gilding the lily.
That is, they didn't seem to think it was really necessary before each session. One of them even said, we do it for insurance purposes.
@cleveland26 The ultrasound is very necessary before each SRT treatment, it guides them and shows the tech where the cancer is still active. This guides their treatment plan and is critical to full care and eradication of all the cancer. You can actually see the cancer go down each session. It’s a critical part of this procedure, hence the ultrasound guided radiation therapy name of the procedure.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@pianist3 You may very well be correct! But it seems that the geniuses at Medicare do not agree. (Not that their saving a buck or two isn't a consideration.)
@pianist3 One other Dermatology group has the machine. Driving there tomorrow as they need an official biopsy report. Figured easier to give to them in person than to try to get the current Dematology group to Fax it. Also spoke the Atrium hospital who a man on the app Next Door recommended as he was seeing the same group I have been seeing had one Mohs proceedure but did't want another wanted the guided imagery srt. The hospital partners with Levine cancer hospital and he had his done there in 20 visits. The person my husband spoke with said as soon as the PA I'm seeing sends a referral I can go there. Doesn't the PA legally have to refer me since they no longer have the machine. And they can't provide me with what I need?
Yes Medicaire may not think the wand is necessary but I also do. I read that the cost out of pocket for the wand is between $1500 & $2000. I would pay this. But evidently the hospital if can get the PA to refer me there they know how to circumvent the cash payment and get it paid in full.
@grammato3 I did not sign in for a few weeks and missed all these comments. I apologize. I've just completed #11 treatment of Gentle Cure guided image radiology on both the sidewall of my nose and my nose tip. Both are now bright red with crusting inside of both nostrils. And some bleeding from nostrils at times. Using Aquaphor on outside both sidewall and nose tip. Using Ayr saline nasal spray inside the nostrils. And a way above 50% humidifier at night for sleeping. Biggest problem today is that if I go to strain for bowel movement nostril is bleeding. If the inside of nostrils would behave and not bleed or crust. I would be very happy. Anyone else experience this? If so what did you do? Also confused as to whether the 11 day break I will have since tech will not be there if there during this time with no radiation will the inside of my nostrils improve or does the cumulative dose of radiation keep causing damage to nostrils? I appreciate any and all reponses.
@2buddy, When I was in the middle of my IG SRT sessions, I asked for a few extra days off, maybe an extended weekend, because I told them my nose needed a break! The inside of my nose did get slightly better with the short pause in the schedule.
At the end of the twenty sessions the inside of my nose was getting back to normal after a week. After two weeks was all the way back. It took an additional two more weeks for the outside of my nose to return to something close to normal.
@cleveland26 Thanks for the reply 2 more sessions this week and I have an 11 day break from treatments as the tech goes on vacation. There was one extra treatment factored in before started treatment so my total is 21 treatments. Do you feel after the remaining two treatments tomorrow and Thursday that then having this nose break will help with nostrils?
@2buddy My guess is yes, the break will help the situation. My break was I think four days and it helped.
I hope it works out well.
@cleveland26 .I hope so also. If the insides of my nostrils would stop the crusting and so far minor bleeding I'd be thrilled. 2 more sessions and the 11 break begins!