Decisions, decisions...

elceboo

In the end of June I had my first mammogram at age 44.  I was called in the for more films to be done.  Then a biopsy.  On  July 2, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  August 3rd I had a lumpectomy.  Being at Stage 0, I began to feel like I was free and clear and that that was all that needed to be done.  One week later I went for my follow up and the dr. recommended I get radiation because of my age.  I talked with a radiologist and listen while she explained the procedure to me, explaining 5x a week for weeks.  I asked about a 5 day treatment that my dr had mentioned.  She went on to explain about the MammoSite treatment.  I need to be 45 yrs old in order to request this type of treatment.  I am 44.  I can become part of a study, but that doesn't guarantee that I will get that treatment.  This was yesterday.  Since then, I even considered not doing any treatment at all.  I have less than 2 weeks to decide what I want to because if I decide to become part of that study, and the MammoSite is chosen for me, it needs to be done within 8 weeks of the lumectomy.  Any words of wisdom/advise would be greatly appriciated.  :~) 

paigelise

elceboo - my situation was different than yours...I have stage 2 w/lumpectomy and no chemo so I pretty much knew I would get the radiation.  All I can tell you is that the radiation will "sanitize" that area to make sure it kills any rogue cancer cells around.  I had also tried for the Mammosite (too young) but ended up going 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  They were pretty efficeint...I would get in and out fast and go to work for 2nd shift.  My skin held up really well...just tanned and a bit "prickly" at times.  My main problem was fatigue.  I took off the last 2 weeks from work for it.

Maybe get a 2nd opinion?  What are your chances for recurrance if you DON"t get the radiation?

 Just keep researching it and reading on here to help you make your decision.  Good Luck!

Wendy

BarbaraA

elceeboo, you can also ask your radiation oncologist for the Canadian protocol. This is daily, at a higher dose but only 16 treatments. I did it and had no problems at all PLUS it was done in 3 weeks.

SJW1

Elceboo,

Not all DCIS, stage 0 patients need radiation or tamoxifen. You can use the Van Nuys Prognostic Index to help you decide. It is based on the size of your margins, the size and grade of your DCIS and your age. 

I decided to omit radiation after my lumpectomy in 2007, after consulting with a world renowned DCIS expert and pathologist, whom anyone can use. His website is:

http://www.breastcancerconsultdr.com/about_dr_lagios.html

He calculated my risk of recurrence as only 4 percent. With such a low risk, the approximate 50 percent reduction that radiation brings wasn't worth it for me.

Please also feel free to send me a private message if you would like more information about any of this or feel free to check out my website if you are interested in my story:

https://sites.google.com/site/dciswithoutrads/home

Hugs and good wishes as you decide what is right for you,

Sandie

changes

Hi Swalters,

I am just finishing up standard (6 1/2 weeks) radiation. I have already decided that if I have a recurrence in the other breast that I will ask for the Mammosite radiation (my oncology center does not offer it, but there is another in town that does). I'd seriously consider it if I was you. You might want to read some of the radiation threads done by month (i.e. July radiation) to get a feel for the side effects people can have with regular radiation.

Obviously, it's your call about whether you choose to "skip" radiation entirely. Personally, I preferred to do everything possible so that if I do have a recurrence, I could honestly say to myself I did everything recommended. I don't have a high tolerance for risk, though, and some people do. I knew when I made the choice for lumpectomy rather than mastectomy that radiation was just part of the treatment package, so I never seriously considered NOT doing it.

Good luck to you in your decision!

Karen

LuvRVing

If you are thinking "it's Mammosite or nothing" then you should talk to the radiation oncologist.  I know mine indicated that if for some reason I didn't qualify according to the "normal standards" but was insistent, then they would do it.  It turned out that I DID qualify and was very pleased with the 5 day treatment and minimal side effects.  You might also consider getting a second opinion quickly.

You should also consider the Canadian protocol, as mentioned by Barbara. 

 Michelle