Radiation Therapy for early stage

CancerStinks

Hi Kel237: a quick response this morning:  I'm pretty sure none of the supps you take lower Chloresterol.The only one I know has something to do with BC is Vitamin D.  I asked specifically about Vit D (since I had a low reading in prior years.) and the doc said no. She told me to take only a multivitamin for bone and breat health and since I still have periods to make sure it had iron. She said the healthy cells will be fine, but we don't want to help the cancer cells any by giving them any antioxidents etc. But please don't go by what some faceless person on the interent says:  Please google Vit D and breast cancer, formulate some questions and verify with your doc. re: BioOil.  Really don't know but my gut feeling is that an oil is not going to allow air to get to the skin and will trap persperation under it making the skin too damp.  But again I don't know.  Did the doc tell you to use BioOil?  Biafene does 3 things;  accelerates the natural sloughing off of dead cells, creates the moist environment needed for healing (I think this is the plumped up thing that happened noticeably with my face wrinkle.) and aids the body's natural healing process.  The skin underneath is the damaged skin and as it comes to the top, it is going to be pinkish/sensitive no matter what we do, Mine itches a bit but I haven't put anything special on that.  re:  Parabens and other phytoestrogene things such as lavender, soy and tea tree oil:  My doc told me the amounts we get are too small to cause a problem.  That said, I too try to avoid these things, though yes, Biafine has parabens as a preservatives in it.  I plan to ask the MO about this when we meet since I think this is more her area of expertise.  

marjoriesands

I went on retreat to Mexico for a week to meditate over this problem.  My chinese doctor was already doing acupuncture and herbs and told me he couldn't make the decision for me but was quite clear about the troublesome effects of 35 radiation treatments. He said in China, the acupuncturist and oncologist work very closely together to design a program for the patient. What a concept!  Since Kaiser always recommends their protocol of chemo and radiation, I decided against the chemo.  My surgeon advised me to do the radiation since "I opted out of the chemo".   A year later my oncologist is still sarcastic about me not having the chemo.  My side effects are sore breast and burning under my arm.  YES, they do give you too much and I don't care what anybody says.  

I wanted a second opinion but would only have been referred to another Kaiser oncologist who would have given me the same "protocol".  The UCSF breast cancer dept. said I would have to $1500 for a consult.  That is one reason to think about doing another insurance program (PPO)where you can really get a 2nd opinion!  I'm fine, enjoying my life and not dwelling on the past.  Just wanted to put in my two cents here. 

stage1

I am also with Kaiser, I won't have a choice for a while, as I am 63, with BC, I don't think I can get coverage elsewhere. I am also a year out from diagnosis, starting to not think about it too much, but control my weight and eat healthy, no soy, take vitamins, and use good products without parabens, like natural stuff, coconut oil and shea butter on my skin. I had my mamo, 1 yr out, was fine. I am just going to get on with life, and hope for no recurrance:)

CancerStinks

How are you doing?  I had my last radiation today and have been thinking of you alot and hoping you are doing well.  Nancy

akmom

CancerStinks, thank you for posting details of your experience with radiation treatments. I appreciate the information - and also your great attitude!

shronava

It's great to read all these posts - I am 62, recently had lumpectomy for 1st stage, grade 2 ca in my left breast. I had DCIS 21 years ago in my right breast.  Because of shrinkage in the right and weight gain causing enlargement in the left, I had reduction in the left breast with the lumpectomy. Now I am facing radiation and wondering where to go to ensure safety to heart & lungs as well as how to find an RO who will administer radiation that is NOT 'one size fits all'.  What questions do I ask as I research options at different facilities?  Any suggestions are appreciated.

Infobabe

shronava

Have you found out anything more about heart/lung left side radiation?

purple32

RE"  ONCOTYPE SCORES ...Where are all of you getting these from ?  Did your BS do these test as part of the PATH.?  Or is it later/ The MO  telling you scores?  Neither told me but......

I asked my BS for ki 67 or oncotype scores and was told they were not done/ not routine.

thx.

MarieKelly

With Ki-67, it depends on the pathology lab - whatever their protocol is. Some do it, some don't.  The main reason for oncotyping a tumor is to help determine if someone should get chemotherapy or not especially when it could go either way.  With small, grade 1 tumors like yours, there's really no question that chemotherapy isn't necessary so it makes sense that you wouldn't have had that testing ordered. 

painterly

Hi MarieKelly,

I tried to send you a pm. But the pm send button doesn't work.

purple32

shronava

I suggest you look into accelerated partial breast irradiation.  ( google APBI)

Good luck.

mimikitty

I have an early stage breast cancer on the left side.  The first radiation oncologist I saw recommended the American Protocol radiation, 6 weeks totalling about 60 or so Gy's.  I went for a second opinion today and the second RO said I am a candidate for the Canadian protocol, which is 4 weeks of treatment and 42 GY's of radiation + 8 GY's for the tumor site boost.  He said I qualified because I am a slender build and a B cup bra size.  Definately going to the second guy.  Still wish it was less radiation though.