Oh, I hear what you are saying. In Victoria, Canada, they are on the cutting edge of cancer treatment. They have an "Inspire the World" Cancer Clinic there. That's likely what they are likely copying. If that's the case, you are fine. I did hear something about them doing that. They are actually on the leading edge. That's where I went for my treatments.
The cat scan that they do before you start the radiation maps out where your heart is so they miss it when they do the radiation.
The radiation only hit 5% of my heart, apparently. They are better at it now then when I had it done.
I got very weak and tired from the radiation. It was helped by eating protein. Afterwards I took a lot of vitamin C. (They say not to take Vitamin C during the treatments as it stops the effect of the radiation!) That's what they told me 10 years ago, anyway. Things could have changed.
The fairer your skin, the more upset your skin will be from the treatment. Find a bra that is simply cotton, I used Elita underwear with no seams etc. It has to be cotton or rayon otherwise your skin will stick to the bra.
So, if you can get throughout the treatments faster, go for it!
If you think about the long term...that the radiation will help you extend your life, and not the short term scary aspect of it, you will get through it fine.
I am 12 years post radiation and I still have no metastases even though my cancer came back again in the same breast. The reason it came back is that the surgeon didn't give me clear margins during the surgery. The radiation stopped the cancer for 10 years before it came back.
I started this blog so that others wouldn't be so frightened. When I was first diagnosed I thought I was going to die right away. and....Here I am 12 years later!
Losing weight and exercising is something that we do have control over. I have 10 pounds to go and I decided this morning that I am going to reach my goal. The less fat we have, the less estrogen can be stored in that fat. During treatments we often feel powerless. Taking control of your eating is powerful. Eating 3 heaping platefuls of leafy greens and vegetables a day and an apple leaves no room for anything else. My trick is to eat 10 (1/2cup) servings of fruits and veggies aday. Then I can have my treat. I never want a treat because I am too full. So I never eat anything bad for me. I am still 10 pounds overweight, though. I think I will add more protein for awhile.
Did you know that moving your bowels a couple times of day reduces the estrogen in your system? It is actually eliminated in your bowels so says my cancer dietitian.

Hello Marsha
Thank you for joining our group. We are here to support you! MFP is a great way to start.
Feel free to friend me if you need some motivation.
-Gorger