Radiation vs Mamosite?

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Mamie2
Mamie2 Member Posts: 108
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Anyone here opt for targeted radiation therapy on their lumpectomy site, rather than have a full course of whole breast radiation? I'm supposed to have radiation to begin within four to six weeks after my surgery (Jan 21). The targeted radiation would only be for 5 days. I read about it at mammosite.com. I would be willing to travel to wherever if i were a candidate for it. I'll ask my onco tomorrow.

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited February 2009

    Yup - there are bunches of us. Look in the Radiation thread for several Mammosite topics.

    You might also want to consider the shortened external (Canadian) rads that are fewer, higher-dose treatments. Mammosite has a likelihood of 10% infection (insist on antibiotics), and also has some side effects.

    Shortened treatments result in better skin quality and a really good recovery. I highly recommend considering those options.

    Sue

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  • Mamie2
    Mamie2 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2009

    thanks ican, i appreciate your feedback and will look around the site. I hear you...re side effects. i wasn't looking forward to having radiation skin for the rest of my life.... but I guess it is all a trade off. thanks.

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited February 2009

    Not a problem -

    There have been preliminary reports issued over the last year that indicate that for early stage, low grade BC, these less drastic treatments are just as effective as the 6 week scenario.

    No sense getting more rads than we need.

    Best of luck - you will get through this.

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  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 556
    edited February 2009

    Mamie2...

    Unfortunately, the size of my "cavity" after my lumpectomy left me ineligible for the mammosite.  The cavity can be no bigger than 3.0 cm.  HOWEVER, I had already done my homework and would have immediately opted for the mammosite if I had been eligible.

    Good luck to you...

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  • Mamie2
    Mamie2 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2009

    Thanks. I just got my appointment with my radiologist for next week. I'm going to stop in tomorrow at the hospital to have this incision looked at. I called the Dr tonite and she said it shouldn't be this sore after two weeks. It's hard, and tender, and I've been using a heating pad and warm showers and an infrequent ibuprofen. Looking forward to next week's visit to see if I'm eligible. Drs say the path looks ok for me, but cavity has to be in the "right location." Fingers crossed. Hope everyone is feeling ok. Bless!

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  • Mamie2
    Mamie2 Member Posts: 108
    edited February 2009
    Well. I guess you have to have at least 7mm of skin between the edge of the cavity and the surface of your skin. Mine was only 3 and 4. After going through the insertion of the catheter, the inflation of the balloon, and getting my hopes sky high, the CAT SCAN verified that I was not a candidate for Mamosite. I am so disappointed. After I digest this, I guess I'll regroup and plan a new strategy...Cry
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