Just diagnosed, need help deciding on IORT

sailorbev

Hello everyone. I just joined your ranks this week. I have been reviewing this site and find it to be very supportive and informative. I received my diagnosis of IDC a few days ago and met with my surgeon yesterday. I plan to have a lumpectomy and some sort of radiation. My surgeon recommended 3 1/2 weeks of radiation after the lumpectomy. When I asked about any shorter termed radiation options she mentioned IORT. However she does not have the equipment for that and I would have to drive 2 hours to the nearest hospital that does have it. My husband and I recently retired and have plans to spend the summer sailing on our boat. My dilemma is: should I go with the surgeon whom I like and is nearby and lose a good chunk of my sailing season, or go to an unknown surgeon 2 hours away, have the IORT and potentially save more of the summer? One other possibility would be to forego the radiation, but that makes me nervous about a recurrence. I know this is my decision and no one else can make it for me but I would truly appreciate any experiences and advice.

NATSGSG

Are you HER2+ or -?  Is yr grade low or high?

I had lumpectomy 5 weeks ago where 1/5 of my breast was taken out. Luckily, i have 2 wonderful lady surgeons who did my surgery, including breast reconstruction. It is still healing. I love canoeing but feared getting infection from it. 

The point is your breast recovery is worth more than the loss of one summer. The next point is staying with a good surgeon is always a good thing.  They will always be there for you. Mine have thus far been responsive to my questions and they are easily accessible,  which is quite important. 

I was informed by one of my doctors that should I have radiation therapy,  I should NOT be out in the sun

So these are all the points you hv to take into consideration. 

ElaineTherese

Hi sailorbev!

I just finished radiation therapy, and my local center only offered standard radiation, not IORT. Typically, an IDC patient who chooses a lumpectomy for their surgical option is told to get radiation afterwards. Radiation is a localized treatment designed to kill any cancer cells that were not removed in surgery. Standard radiation (can't speak for IORT) does cause some skin damage in most women. My skin is very pink (like a sunburn), but not peeling, which is good news. My radiation oncologist (RO) says that I can go out in the sun, but that I should always, always wear sunscreen if I'm going to be out for any length of time. So, I'm sure you can get some sailing in, but you just have to take care of your skin. Regardless of whether you opt for IORT or standard radiation, your surgeon will not be overseeing this process. An RO will. As for IORT, if you're retired, driving two hours both ways might not be that disruptive to your life. Best wishes!

sailorbev

Hi NAT_SG and ElaineThere...

I have a grade 1 tumor and I do not have the results back yet for HER 2. I had basal cell skin cancer several years ago and always use sun protection (large hats, long-sleeve sun protective shirts, long pants and sunscreen on exposed areas). I also am a compulsive rule-follower so I will do what I am told ;-)

I just made an appointment with the center that does IORT and will see what they say and how comfortable I am with the surgeon. I don't think I would be happy with myself if I didn't at least check it out. I so appreciate your responses and your support. I think part of my struggle this week, and I am sure most of you experience this, is that it has been hard for me to wrap my head around it. I have had some difficulty shifting my focus from my usual life to this. Initially I wanted to keep it as simple as possible so that I wouldn't have to make many decisions or even think about it very much. I am now on board with the fact that this is my life now and it needs my time and attention.