BMX/MX & rads with IDC | Criteria?

lago

Anyone have a mastectomy & Rads with IDC? What was the criteria they used to recommend having rads?

My margins were clear but one margin is only .75mm from the chest wall. I'm also doing chemo followed an aromatase inhibitor. I have some real concerns especially regarding heart issues since this would most likely be on the left side. (I'm also doing Herceptin & was a former smoker although I currently have no heart issues).

I will be meeting with the radiation oncologist next week. Just want to have my questions ready.

Leah_S

Iago, I had a mx and rads because I had 6 nodes involved. Rads might be recommended for you due to the size of your tumor and the close margin - get a few opinions and bring up the heart issues with anyone with whom you consult so you can get different opinions & ways of looking at things.

Best of luck.

Leah

Houndmommy

I had an mx and rads due to 1 close margin and one that was "involved".  I had 28 treatments.  They covered a 7x7 area on my chest.  If you are concerned, get a 2cd opinion and also tell the doc of your concerns.

Good Luck!  Kim

lago

Radiation oncologist recommended no rads for me. She felt that my treatment (BMX, chemo 6tx of TCH) was quite aggressive and the fact that they know it is not in my nodes. She didn't want to putt my heart at more stress (I'm doing Herceptin for a year that can stress heart). She also didn't seem to be to concerned about the 1 close margin. Of course she does know my surgeon as an outstanding record of getting as much breast tissue out as possible too.

Found out yesterday… doing the happy dance.