Stopping radiation treatment midstream.

Cindy-smith

Hi,I have taken 11 of the 20 scheduled radiation treatments.I had stage one invasive ductal carcinoma. Lump ectomy under my left breast with very low reoccurrence. 9% possibility without radiation and 3 to 5% with.I have two reasons to discontinue them. First the side effects which include burns, severe itching and severe pain spikes along with The usual tiredness. I was totally against the treatments from the beginning but pressured into taking them. I worry about Possible damage to lungs and heart due to it being right along the rib cage under my left breast . I also have a sick family member that requires my attention around the clock along with travel time which makes it very difficult. My question is that will It’s still be beneficial to my health having only taking 11 of the 20 treatments. T

KBeee

You will not get the full benefit if you stop early. Your RO should be able to tell you the percentage of increased risk by stopping early. Ultimately it is your choice though. Best wishes with whatever you decide. These decisions are never easy.

Moderators

KBeee is correct, and this is an important conversation to have with your radiation oncologist. It's a very personal decision. But we're happy you found our community and are happy to support you along the way.

Warmly,

The Mods

GrannyK

After 7 treatments I was having heart Arrythmia problems that were debilitating so I quit to deal with that problem. After experimenting with different heart drugs we got that under control after about a week. I had 20 treatments scheduled, but my radiation oncologist wanted me to come back and do 9 more for a total of 16. He said the 7 would not be effective, but the 16 would. So I did go back. So ask you oncologist what the minimum number is recommended for you. Mine was willing to adjust.

Mucki1991

I can't say that I blame you for stopping with such low risk. Radiation can do massive permanent damage so I get it. Good luck with your choices.

BrooksideVT

Like you, I was not committed to rads. After a week or so, I indicated to my R/O that I was thinking of abandoning treatment. She was very clear in telling me that if I stopped, neither were any remaining cancer cells in my breast taken care of , nor, should I have a local recurrence, could I ever have rads in that area again. They do not schedule partial treatment.

Please have a nice long conversation with your RO. It might be that a break of a couple of days could lessen your side effects. It is definitely not normal for you to have burns this early in your treatment, and, I think, somewhat unusual for actual burns to occur even in the last days of treatment. If this is happening (not just something you fear) you absolutely need to bring this matter to your RO's attention.

Your R/O should have already told you whether there is any risk of damage to your heart or lungs. Please also grill him or her on this matter.

I am so sorry your family member needs your care, but do remember that you will be in the best position to take care of this person, or anyone else, if you first take care of yourself.

edwards750

I had 33 radiation treatments. Slight burning and fatigue halfway through but other than that completely manageable. I was fortunate.

I agree with Brookside you need to have a conversation with your RO. My left breast was affected too which makes it more of a concern for your heart and lungs. My RO didn’t have that conversation with me but I had already done my homework so I knew the risks. The techs were awesome. Very compassionate and careful.

The decision is yours. Don’t let anyone including your medical team put pressure on you one way it the other. I would of course listen to their advice about what to do and the options if any if you don’t.

Whatever you decide don’t second guess yourself or look back and wonder what if...

Diane

macb04

cindy-smith. I went through everything but boost. I HUGELY REGRET every last second of it. I wound up severely burnt, with bleeding, open sores on my chest. I was in terrible pain and had to go on Narcotics. I was even burnt straight through to my back. I did that useless breath hold technique. My heart is somewhat damaged and so is my Left lung.

I also had severe Radiation Fibrosis of my chest and arm which I needed tons of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy plus Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E to finally improve. They also damaged my Thyroid, which they didn't mention would happen. I forgot to mention it also started up Lymphedema then too on my Left arm.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself the true side effects, then I could make an informed choice. The radiation oncologist just acted surprised over my side effects, Dr Christine Fang wasn't the least bit honest.

nat_blue

Perhaps talk to your radiation oncologist about one of the accelerated schedules. I had partial breast radiation, twice a day for 5 days. Under the current guidelines only certain tumors are eligible, and I have no idea if protocols can be changed mid-course, but maybe it's an option.