BioZorb

Dulcea

Hi everyone.

Diagnosed last week 3mm DCIS left breast. I had surgery to remove some ALH and microcalcifications but was upgraded. Although the BS said she thinks she got it all, she wants to go back in for better margins. She told me she would be implanting BioZorb.

After doing some initial research and here and elsewhere, I think I am not going to accept it. Among other reasons, I reject absorbable sutures so I don't think this would be a good idea.

My understanding is that it provides a smaller target area for radiation but I see on here that people seem to have whole breast radiation. I'd be curious about what everyone's experience is with biozorb helping decrease the area needing to be radiated. I apologize if for my terminology as I'm just jumping in here!

Thanks ahead of time for your help!

astyanax66

Hi,

In 2018, I had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation; my BS placed a Biozorb device because she said it would help with the appearance. She had to take pretty wide margins, and honestly, it didn't look great (I don't blame her for that; I'm glad she got good margins).

In 2020, in the opposite breast, I had a new primary tumor, and I made the decision to do a bilateral MX; I was fed up with mammograms and anxiety. The area where my lumpectomy was done always ached and felt "hard." I just assumed it was the effects of radiation, which went well, btw. I figured it was just something I had to deal with.

Pathology report of that breast (left): Necrotic and supporative tissue at the site of the previous lumpectomy (possibly a low-grade, chronic infection), right at the site of the Biozorb because they identified the remaining clips in the necrotic tissue. UGH. I had no idea.

I understand the rationale of improving the focus of radiation, but clearly, my body doesn't like external stuff; I had a reaction to the clips placed on the right during the biopsy prior to surgery, too. I'd recommend asking about the long-term risk of Biozorb.

Wishing you well,

Dee

Dulcea

Thank you Dee! I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

I got all my ammunition together and had my notes laid out in front of me before I called the BS and her response was, "OK, not a problem. You don't need it for radiation anyway". I don't know why I thought she would fight me on it so I was pleasantly surprised. I just feel so relieved I won't have that in me to potentially cause a rejection or pain and suffering on top of worrying about the cancer!

Now that you mention the clips though, I had a clip placed in 2011 on the right and it hasn't hurt but it has been somewhat numb since then. The numbness could be from the biopsy or the clip I suppose. I wonder how many other people have these reactions or sensitivities to foreign materials being placed.

Again, thanks for your experience. Best wishes to you too.

Carol

December11

Best wishes to all of you dealing with this disease