Question on Rads

san5

77 year old with DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 3, all margins clear (1cm or better).  Also has COPD and is concerned about radiation to further damage lungs.  Any comments?

edwards750

I had radiation. 33 treatments to be exact. I was told you could experience lung scarring. I would talk to my doctor if I were you especially since you have COPD.

Good luck!

Diane

ruthbru

With COPD, I suggest that you get a pulmonologist involved in making the radiation decisions.

Annette47

I agree to consult with a lung specialist, but there are ways to minimize (but not eliminate) damage to the lungs. For example I did mine in the prone position, which results in less exposure to the heart and lungs, but even so I was told there would be some minimal lung scarring but “nothing you would ever notice, but it might show up on an x-ray”. I don’t know how that would affect someone with COPD though.

In terms of skipping rads, even though it is Grade 3 (which usually calls for rads), with the age of the patient and good margins it may not be the worst thing in the world to forgo them. She should consult with a radiation oncologist as well as a pulmonologist before making any decisions, and ask for a second opinion if there is anything unclear.

VegGal

Wow, I definitely would think hard on this one and get several opinions. My mom had Stage 2 tubular carcinoma at age 77 and opted for a mastectomy and no other treatments. She had no issues with cancer again and passed recently from heart failure. Her strong lungs kept her going a lot longer than they should have.

Good luck with your decision.

TB90

San5: I hate giving advice without having the study handy to share with you, but I know they are now considering no radiation an option with clear margins in DCIS, especially at your age. They are monitoring closely instead. If I have time to search, I will. Or please ask you medical team to look into this option for you. Ensure you have all your options available before making the best choice for your very individual situation. Good luck. You have every reason to be optimistic about your future.