Intraoperative radiation treatment

Sandy1950

I had a partial mastectomy (aka lumpectomy) three days ago and iort at the same time. I had general anesthesia. I feel really tired.

I'm wondering if anyone else felt fatigue after iort?

Moderators

Hi Sandy,

It's very common to feel fatigue after any type of surgery, and also with all types of radiation therapy. (See the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Fatigue for more information and some tips to help manage fatigue.) Your body is likely getting used to the treatments and will take a little time to recover. Take it easy on yourself, get rest, and ask your doctor if he/she has any advice to help manage this effect.

We're thinking of you and sending healing thoughts!

--The Mods

JoniB

I had IORT myself. The fatigue can be from the anaesthesia and just having surgery. Don't know if the radiation played heavily into the fatigue. Wishing you speedy recovery.

Sandy1950

Thanks, Joni!

Sandy1950

Thanks!

UpstateNYer

hello Sandy, I had a lumpectomy with IORT back in March. Yes, I felt fatigue and had huge hematoma on breast and chest area. Unfortunately, I had unclear margins and needed reexcision. That reexcision also came unclear, so now on to another surgery next week. I also will need 3 weeks of additional daily radiation. So much for the IORT one and done. I hope that lumpectomy and IORT is all you will need. Best wishes to you.

Sandy1950

Hi, UpstateNYer

I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this. Sending healing thoughts to you.

Luckily my margins and sentinel node were clear. I also participated in a study of lumicell. A blue dye was injected that attaches to the protein in cancer ( rudimentary explanation!). So after the cancer was removed a device is put into the cavity and if certain cells "light up" the margin is made larger. They told me the preliminary results from other women are hopeful. I wish they had such a technique for you.

My first cancer I had to have a second surgery due to unclear margins.

All the best to you! If you like, I would like to know how things are going for you after next week. I'll be thinking of you.

CherokeeLady

Hi Sandi and other IORTs,

My second surgical consult (IDC, Stage 1A, ER+, HER2-) was two days ago. Both consults recommended IORT with anti-hormone followup. I'm 64 and menopausal.

Chemo is not recommended pre-op, but that may change after sentinel lymph node biopsy.

The questions I have right now relate to the IORT experience compared with whole-breast radiation. Which do you personally consider better? Why? And what should I know going into the IORT procedure about the procedure itself and/or post-op care?

Feeling nervous and overwhelmed with medical information/recommendations!

Thanks.

Sandy1950

Hi, Cherokee Lady

I have had no major difficulty with the iort. There was an area of swelling that I was told would go down over time and it has. I had some soreness which was probably a combination of the surgical procedure plus the iort procedure but no skin reactions. I would do it again but hopefully won't ever have to!

On my first breast cancer nine years ago (the other breast) I had mammosite internal radiation, not whole breast. That was twice a day for five days.

I had a low recurrence score both times and clear sentinel node so no chemo.

I hope this comment helps a bit. Keep us posted if you wish! You'll get through with flying colors!

Sandy

CherokeeLady

Hi Sandy1950,

Yes, thank you, your reply is very helpful.

I was told today I am being scheduled for Seed Placement a few days prior to (the as yet unknown) IORT date. Did you have Seed Placement? If so, what should I expect?

Thanks again. Sending a hug.

pbctwice

Hi all, following these posts with interest.

I am struggling with choosing/arguing for IORT, whole breast, or brachytherapy. Had brachytherapy first time in 2008, which caused fibrosis (and radiation recall) but according to my oncologist at the time who had not seen a patient with bt, gave much less scar tissue than seen with whole breast radiation. But now there seems to be a lot of push back against brachytherapy and ;having trouble finding hospitals/clinics that offer it in this state. The 2 week part was awful but was glad later I did this partial breast approach. Has anyone encountered a less severe whole breast regime such as 3 weeks instead of 6-7? I fear the boost portion will end up causing just as much fibrosis as brachytherapy. IORT sounds like a nightmare if a second surgery is needed. New primary cancer on other side this time, smaller, different receptor status. Thought things would be a bit easier this time but after the surgeons appointment am finding that there are many new changes but also the old (surgery/radiation/chemo or hormone) has not changed as much as I'd hoped.

MinusTwo

pbc - it's been a year since there were any active posts on this thread so you may not get a response. Sorry I don't personally have any information

Beclyn20

PBCTWICE Can I ask you what your symptoms of fibrosis were? I am about 2 years out from mammosite brachytherapy and it seems it is getting worse. Not good! They certainly do NOT seem to be interested in finding less barbaric treatments. I agree with you. Thanks!