Rads with mastectomy

Cat123

I had a mastectomy on my left side with Alloderm and TE's placed. at the same time. I found out yesterday that there were 4 nodes involved so they are suggesting radiation.  I am really confused about why I would need radiation after my breast has been removed.  What would they radiate?  Nothing was close to my chest wall.  If they have to radiate lymph nodes, would that not be done under my arm?  I just don't want to ruin my skin for the reconstruction.  Anyway, I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the need for rads after mx

CT124

I had a BMX with TEs. Originally, MO thought only chemo but wanted Rad consult. When I spoke w RO and looked at research, for me, it would reduce risk of recurrence. While chemo goes after cells that may have escaped from the breast, radiation  takes care of any remaining cells in the breast area and the nodes. I had pos axillary node and the next area of lymph drainage is the subclavicular. Also RO talked ab risk of a few cells remaining in the area of the incision and that rads would reduce risk of recurrence. It was a difficult decision for me, but I felt that I had taken an aggressive approach to the dx and after going through chemo, I never want to do it again if there was anything I could do to prevent it.  While rads are not comfortable, it was managable and I had my last tx today. I had 3 angle rads icluding axillary and subclavicular node areas as well as boluses to get skin areas esp where cancer and incisions were. I went for the RO con sult thinking they must have made a mistake sending me there, but it was good to hear what it would mean for me and then to make my decision. There are terrific women on the radiation threads and you might want to post there and they will share their story. A consult with the RO will explain why they are suggesting it for you and what areas they would radiate and that might help you to make your decision.

Chicago1018

Hi Cat - My explanation was that doing rads when you've had a MX depends on a few different things but it is used to kill any cancer reminants in microscopic breast tissue cells that were left behind during surgery.