Radiation after double lumpectomy

Iwona

I have double lumpectomy and I'm undergoing the radiation on both sides at the same time. Should I have reduced radiation dosage? My doctor said I'm receiving 45 Gy per breast (total 90 Gy), and then I'll have a boost for both sides (don't know how much Gy). Should I be concerned that I'm receiving too much radiation? I had  only 11 sessions (out of 25 plus boost)

Moderators

Iwona-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We hope you find the support and information you're looking for!

Your doctor will have prescribed a total amount of radiation for your treatment, based an several factors, such as cancer size, whether or not lymph nodes were involved, and what kind of surgery you had. That total amount is then broken down into a daily dosage, in your case, 90 centiGrays. A typical dose of daily radiation is between 180-200 centiGrays. So your dosage is actually under the average amount. You can read more about radiation here: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/ty....

If you still have concerns, we would suggest discussing them with your oncologist and radiologist. They may be able to answer any questions you have, and ease some of your concerns.

The Mods

Iwona

Thank you very much for the answer. I feel much relieved.

Iwona

I looked closely at the numbers and I'm worrying again. I was prescribed 45 Gy per breast over 25 days, which means that my daily dosage is 360 centiGrays (100*(45+45)/25 = 360 centiGrays). This is much more than typical 180-200 centiGrays, Is this still OK?

redsox

What matters is the dose to a specific area, not the total of doses to different areas. The two breasts are different areas so you are only getting a normal dose to any specific area. They do have more complicated treatment planning with two breasts being treated but they can deal with that and avoid any spots of excess dose

Iwona

Thank  you