Radiation implant vs radiation

Grace48

Had a left breast lumpectomy 3 weeks ago.  Stage 0, in situ, grade 2, so oncologist says no cancer acutally in breast. Had a small Stage 1 18 years ago and had right mastectomy so I had no radiation or chemo.  Don't know the grade of that one.  I had no reconstruction at that time but will have it now.  Oncologist has suggested raditation or radiation implant.  We have also discussed my having mastectomy on the left breast which avoids radiation, etc.  And possibly having reconstruction at the same time.  I also have the option of skipping radiation entirely and just going for the reconstruction and see what happens in the left breast following up with mammograms.  WHEW...so I keep confusing myself and trying to figure out how I will feel with each option.  RIght now I think my two favorite options are just passing on the radiation and going for the reconstruction on the right side and follow up mammograms on the left or just doing the mastectomy and reconstruction.  Any experience with the radiation implant will be helpful.  Thanks so much

dcchef

 Hi Grace48, here's my story.  I completed my treatments 6/11/2010.  My surgeon recommended the following course of action given my diagnosis.  Lumpectomy followed by mammosite 5 day High Density Radiation (HDR).  After some research and checking around I went with that program.  I have no family history of BC.  I am in great physical shape (run, swim, weights) and I eat a very healthy diet.  Following the lumpectomy my path report came back with clear margins, no re excision needed.  The next step was checking to see if I had enough clearance for the mammosite/HDR.  The mammosite was an interesting process.  I went to see my surgeon 1 week after the lumpectomy. Everything looked good.  The next day I meant with the radiation oncologist to discuss the mammosite/HDR procedure.  We were a go so I went on Thursday for the surgical office procedure to insert the mammosite catheter.  That wasn't too bad, but if did feel a bit strange.  I was walking around with a saline balloon in the my breast and wires coming out where I would get hooked up for radiation treatments,aka Cyborg woman.   On Friday, back to the rad onc for a CT scan to be sure the balloon was placed where they wanted it.  Then the following week (Monday-Friday), I went twice a day for treatments.  They only lasted about 30 minutes.  They did a scan every morning to check the balloon, and an ultrasound in the afternoon.  The actual radiation only lasted 9 or 10 minutes.  The physicist and rad onc doc would hook the wires up and send the radiation in, then take it out.  Therefore, I was free to go about my life (no radiation stayed in my body). The radiation did not make me sick.  On the last day, Friday, the balloon was removed.  JOY, a real shower!!!  I did have a couple of issues along the way.  I developed a "leak" in a blood vessel from the mammosite balloon which had to be cuarterized with silver nitrate.  So, it did make it somewhat more tricky to get the balloon out (OUCH!).  The other thing was they did not suture the incision from the mammosite and it took about 3 weeks before it really closed up.  I did see the docs in the interim and that was the normal healing process.  After all of that I was really feeling back to normal.  I started running on 6/18 and was hiking by 6/24.  The only other thing I had was radiation burn, which generally occurs about a month after treatment.  I went to the rad onc and got radioplex, which I lovingly call utter balm!!  That took about two weeks to go away.  The other thing I did was meet with the hematologist regarding Tamoxifen.  After much discussion and reading, I have decided not to take it.  I have never been on any meds and feel this whole thing was a fluke in my system.  For me to commit to a drug for 5 years with lots of potential SEs.  I think it would make me crazy.  The hematologist looked at my case and said the most he would do is "softly recommend it".  It did not offer a huge advantage for me.  One other issue is that I can't wear a regular bra.  I get pain in my ribs, and have had some pains in my breast.  I have read that others have experienced the same thing.  Here's the good news - I did find a sports bra with a little padding, so hopefully that will be a go!!  Good luck with your decision.  dcchef 

Grace48

Thank you so much for all the information.  I didn't know what the implant radiation involved but now I do.  I see the breast surgeon on Monday to check on his lumpectomy work and will ask him more questions.  I still am not sure what I will do but your story has helped clear up many of my questions.  18 years ago after the mastectomy I also was given the choice to take Tamoxifen but the percentage of no recurrence was something like 91% without and 93% taking it.  When I read the literature about the tamoxifen I decided I would just be trading one concern for another so I also did not take it.  I am of the mind to get it done and get on with life again.

Thank you for your help

dcchef

Hi Grace48.  I am glad the info helped.  Keep us posted on your progress.  dcchef