I did the accelerated partial breast irradiation, twice a day , one week. I got the same amount of radiation generally given in 6 weeks (30 treatments) for external radiation. My only side effect from radiation was fatigue from the twice daily trips. The fatigue was brief and lasted until I started the vitamin D with hormone meds. No burns. I worked between treatments. So far so good.

I was a candidate for 20 treatments of radiation whereas my friend had to have 33 treatments. My radiation oncologist brought up the study done in Canada during our appointment. After she put the treatment plan together, I was glad that I only had to do 20. I really didn't have many of the side effects.

Good luck, Bonni. Familial support is really important when we are going through treatment. I hope you can have the shorter course, as well.

Good luck. I am leaving Florida and traveling to NJ for radiation. Want to be with my friends and family. Meeting with radiation oncologist in two weeks.

I pushed my RO for the hypo fractionation (Canadian protocol) radiation. He said if I could hold my breath correctly so that my heart was out of the way, I could have it. I was so happy when he came into the CT scan room and told me I qualified, that I told him I loved him! He said he loved me, too. I guess he is used to dealing with emotional women. I start my 16 WBI and 4 Boosts this Thursday.