Can someone with a pacemaker, receive radiation therapy!?!
Question: Can someone with a pacemaker, receive radiation therapy!!?
What happens when ,a patient is 6 days away from finishing thier breast radiation treatment ! And had to have a pacemaker put in! During this last week they are not giving the whole breast radiation therapy!.But the spot where pre cancer was!? She is over 60! Thanks!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Pacemakers have a low tolerance to radiation that varies by manufacturer!. The doses that they can tolerate are usually pretty low(around 5Gy)!. During the last week or two of radiation therapy it is typical to irradiate the lump site or scar in a "boost" at 1!.8-2Gy per day!. This irradiation is extremely focal and falls off extremely rapidly outside the field!. If the pacemaker is just a few centimeters out side the field the dose will be extremely low but if you are concerned you should bring this question up with the radiation oncologist!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Visit breastcancer!.org
there are literally thousands of registered users there and a really active message board!.
It's a great place!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
there are literally thousands of registered users there and a really active message board!.
It's a great place!.Www@Answer-Health@Com