Long Term Radiation Effects

Anonymous

Long Term Radiation Effects

Twinmar

I had a very small DCIS low grade tumor removed four years ago. Had 7 1/2 weeks of radiation. No side effects whatsoever. I barely turned pink and had no problems with fatigue etc. Last month during an annual mammo I needed to return for more pictures and a stereotactic biopsy due to microcalcifications. My pathology report says atypia due to radiation - no malignancy identified. However, I needed to see a breast surgeon due to the atypia cells and now am scheduled for an excisional biopsy at the hospital on June 3. The breast surgeon I met with said there could be something else lurking along with the atypia (ADH) cells. ADH was not mentioned at all on the pathology report - just that there were tome atypia cells due to radiation - the cause of the calcifications were due to trauma from radiation, lumpectomy and fat necrosis. When I had my initial radiology visit four years ago all that was mentioned was burning skin, fatigue and that was about it. No one discussed any long term problems. My sister-in-law who had almost the exact same diagnosis but almost 20 years ago, ended up with a lung cancer as a direct result of the radiation she endured. She is fine after having a simple lung operation. I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else. If something is found after the excisional biopsy I will need a mastectomy since I cannot have any more radiation. Although I will be happy with an all clear - only ADH cells fully removed - I wonder if I will be going through this every time I have a mammogram and will need many more biopsies. I almost think it may be easier to go the mastectomy route. Has anyone else had this happen after a simple lumpectomy and radiation for DCIS?