Prior radiation therapy now BC...confused!

2ndttimearound

Prior radiation therapy now BC...confused!

2ndttimearound

Hello!  I am a cancer survivor of Hodgkin's disease in '95, treated with radiation. Now, 15 years later I have BC caused by the radiation therapy then.  Dr's say Bilateral Mastectomy w/Chemo is the only choice, due to the high risk of BC from the radiation, even though it was only found in one breast. When I found the lump, we were told that a lumpectomy would be the best, due to less evasive and now it has all changed. Very confusing!

I guess I am looking for others who are in the same situation as I and what advise can you give me. 

Thank you in advance!

o2bhealthy

There is a thread topic BC Dx and Hodgkin's Disease Radiation Treatment under the forum young women with breast cancer.  Just due a search...you may find some answers there. I stumbled on this thread and was really suprised on how common this is...

2ndttimearound

Thank you so much for the information!!!  I found the thread and am amazed at all the people who are in the same boat.  It really helps to read what others have and are going through.  I sure hope to find the answers, or at least some help with direction.

Based on what I have read, HD w/radiation is common for BC 15-20 years out!  Wow!!!  Why didn't they just tell us then??  I think we all would have been better prepared!!

Again, thank you for the link!!!

kle

Hi, I am another case of HD and 20 years later BC.  Although none of my Drs will say that the new cancer is a direct result of the radiation, but it seems to me likely it is.  I was diagnosed w/ DCIS. I was recommended to have the mastectomy,  since I could not be radiated again, the lumpectomy and radiation option was out.  That is probably where you are at, you can't have success when your skin has already been radiated.  

I opted to have a unilateral mastectomy, even though I know I am still high risk in the other breast.  I am also on Tamoxifen.  I  have a successful silicone implant for 1 1/2 years. 

What is your diagnosis?  I know it is so overwhelming and diasppointing to be back in the cancer world, after so many years of being healthy. 

kle 

   

2ndttimearound

Hello All!

Thank you for all the information and links to other sites/blogs.  It has really given me more information to consider in all of this.  Since my original post, all has gone on.  I consulted with my HD Dr, who referred me to the Radiation Oncologist who performed my radiation therapy.  With that, he called and stated that a BM is not necessary.  This as well was discussed w/the surgeon who had advised me of the BM.  My RO stated that he came here for a tumor board and to discuss my case.  What makes me feel confident with this decision is that once the board had "all" the information, the decision was lumpectomy with radiation and chemo to follow.  Wow!  What a whirlwind!!  Now, the decision is when & how much will they take.  With that, will I want to have reduction at the same time.  So, still a few more decision, but definately a clear focus.

Thank you all for being there and giving me your insight/experiences.  Just when you think that you are all alone, you open the door and there are true others that are in the same boat.  What a relief to find a place that other people trully know what you are going through!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Kadyann

I am also a hodgkin survivor with bc.  I was diagnosed with bc exactly 15 years out.  I opted for a masectomy with reconstruction (latissimus dorsi flap) and am very pleased with the results.