IORT - Have or planning for lumpectomy?

gypsyjo

I am currently planning to have Intraoperative Radiation Therapy as part of my lumpectomy surgery. OHSU uses Intrabeam. I have read a few of the studies. Some suggest a slightly higher reoccurrence in the same breast, but lesser side effects or exposure to radiation. I know it is much newer in the US, but has been used in Europe longer. It is offered at my National Cancer Institute Center. I would be their 81st patient receiving this. They have had 2 reoccurrence in the same breast at OHSU.

Has anyone else chosen this option or is planning to? I'd like to know your experiences if you have. Thanks.

aseretliag

I just has a lumpectomy and IORT. So far I have had no problems. My cancer was just in one duct. I have a hard lump where I had the surgery (scar tissue) which is in the areola region which I have to massage but was told by my surgeon that my body will reasorb it. I had my surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC. I have had no side effects to speak of. Just tire a little easier but I believe that's just still recovering from surgery. I did not have any cancer in my lymph nodes. I elected to have IORT because I don't have time to go and get radiated 5 days a week for 6 weeks and IORT will kill any cancers cells that may break loose and does not damage the skin itself like the tried and true radiation therapy. So far, so good. I do have see a Medical Oncologist on Tuesday to go over everything and probably have to go on Tamoxifen for 5 years which is the norm. The hospital will follow my progress throughout my lifetime since IORT is relatively procedure. I hope this helps in your decision.

Moderators

Welcome to BCO. You may find the Articles on our main site to be of interest regarding IORT.

Please read Studies Show Risks and Benefits of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy and Intraoperative Radiation May Work as Well as Standard Delivery ...

Tere are other articles there on IORT and lots of other situaions and can be found in a simple search.

We hope this helps with understanding the Pros and cons to make your treatment decisions.

All the best

The Mods

Pokemom1959

I too had IORT when I had my lumpectomy last year. It was amazing. I actually had to ask the radiologist after the surgery if he'd been able to do it since I could not tell. Other than a little fatigue (that could have been from the surgery) I had no side effects

savgigi

I had IORT 2 years ago with my lumpectomy. I have a ridge of scar tissue that can still be sore, but I have no idea if that is from radiation or surgery. I also have some nerve damage that resulted in some itching, sunburn feeling and general irritation. Again, I don't know if it is from surgery or radiation or both. Both my BS and RO say my nerves are taking longer to heal than most. I had the maximum dose (43 minutes of radiation during surgery), so perhaps that is why I have more problems than most. But I would definitely choose IORT over external radiation if I had to make the choice again.

jjolls5

I am looking at this surgery and am scheduled for node biopsy 8/5 and lumpectomy and IROT on 8/22. Are you still glad you went this way vs traditional

Moderators

Dear jjolls5, Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that your upcoming surgery has brought you here but glad that you reached out. We hope that you will find support and information from others with shared experiences. We notice that this particular topic has not been active since March of this year. Here is another topic on IORT (similar subject) with more recent posting. You may want to check it our. Here are some other suggestions: you can use the search function on the blue bar to your left and put the word IORT in and it can lead you to other posts on the topic or you can PM the member from whom you are looking for information. Here is a link to our own site's most recent information on the topic of IORT. We hope this helps. Keep posting and keep us updated on how things go for you. The Mods

CherokeeLady

I've decided on IORT and am scheduled to meet with my medical team on Aug. 14. Would like to hear from anyone who has experienced IORT so I know what kinds of questions to ask.

Askmissa

I was interested in this, but wasn't a candidate as my Ki-67 is 35 (high) and I am single receptor positive (er+ pr-) . Radiation Oncologist felt it would not be enough radiation for me.

I decided on Bilateral Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Prepectoral Implants. My surgery is on the 19th

smackan

I had IORT about 10 days ago with lumpectomy, SNB and oncoplastic reduction. With all of that, it was a long surgery (took about 8 hours). I was really tired after the surgery for a couple of days but not sure if that was due to anesthesia or the IORT. The IORT (cancer side) drain took a couple days longer to come out but no other difference. Right now, both sides look the same and healing at the same rate so it has been very positive for me so far. Good luck with your decision.

Edited to note, even though I had IORT I will still have 16 external beam treatments. The IORT removed the 5 boost treatments for me as those were delivered during surgery