Partial Breast Radiation - need help to decide

Options
rthomps1
rthomps1 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Has anyone taken part in a study of PARTIAL BREAST RADIATION or have any thoughts about it? 

 I have been asked to be in a study where I would have radiation only on the area where my tumor was.  The radiaton would be done twice a day, 6 hours apart, for 5 days.  I am wondering what side effects were experienced as compared to the normal radiation of once a day for 3 to 4 weeks. 

 Does anyone have any experince with this or thoughts??  PLEASE let me know!  I have to let the Dr. know by Tuesday Oct 6th.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

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

    I did this protocol. I'm glad I did, because I was SO tired of cancer when I got to rads.

    The only side effect I had was fatigue the last few days.

     I only got a little pink, and I've met other women who had this, and none of us has had skin breakdown.

    You really won't be able to work with this schedule, unless your center is incredibly organized, but I went to rads, exercised, had lunch, and went back, and it went really well.

    My rad onc says that the studies for this and the 16 day protocol are both turning out as good as the 6-week version.

    Much luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sunone
    Sunone Member Posts: 151
    edited October 2009

    Is this external or one of the internal 5 day programs. I have not had it done, but am hoping that I qualify for one of the 5 day programs. Keep us posted on what you decide to do and how it goes.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rthomps1
    rthomps1 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2009

    This a the external beam radiation clinical study they are doing in Canada.  I am hesitating because my tumor was a grade 3 and from what I have read, grade 3 seems to have a higher reccurrence rate.  Also due to having 2 aunts and a grandma that had BC 2 of whom died from it recurring. 

    I will update when I decide and start treatment. Since it is a study, I only have a 50/50 chance of receiving the PBRT even if I choose to take part in the study because half of the group will be given the standard treatment of care which is treatment to the whole breast once a day for 16 days.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AlohaGirl
    AlohaGirl Member Posts: 213
    edited October 2009

    For whatever it is worth, I had whole breast radiation (25 treatments, so 5 weeks) and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I had feared (though I know that side effects vary from person to person) -- some burning but nothing intolerable and minor fatigue but I was able to work about 3/4 time during the entire treatment and exercise (though not as intensely as before).  My doctor recommended against the partial in my case because I was grade 2/3 (some of both I guess) with necrosis and because I am relatively young (40) and he felt that was the safer route given the lack of information of long term effectiveness of partial.  Also, my personality is such that I am more comfortable doing more treatment and sticking with what is "usually" done so that played into the decision for me as well.  But I applaud those who are brave enough to break new ground, and certainly the partial has a lot of advantages.  I wouldn't be surprised if in the future it is the new standard of care.  Just to share another point of view.  Best of luck making your decision and undergoing treatment, whatever you choose! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MaryF2
    MaryF2 Member Posts: 51
    edited October 2009

    I had external beam partial breast radiation last year. I wasn't part of a trial and not a candidate for the Mammosite therapy as my lumpectomy cavity was too close to the skin. I had a little swelling and some skin darkening which has since resolved. At my one year check-up, my radiation oncologist said I had an excellent cosmetic result.

    I'm doing well one year later. 

    Good luck!

    Mary

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rthomps1
    rthomps1 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2009

    Well, I am back at last.  I chose not to take part in the trial.  I am too afraid of reccurrence since my cancer is a gr3.  I am receiving 16 treatments, Mon to Fri and I am exactly half way done as of today.  I am finding that I am very tired already.  Fortunately I am not working because I would not be able to with the fatigue.  My Rad doc says he doesn't know why I am so tired...his nurse says it is not uncommon.  It would be nice if they got their ideas on the same page.

     My skin is not overly burned as yet but I am using glaxal cream 3 - 4 times a day and I am also airing my breast for at least an hour a day to cool the heat.  My breast in quite swollen ( at least a cup or two larger than normal), I am having intermittent pain that is like needles being pushed in but that only lasts a few minutes and then goes away for awhile. 

     Thanks for listening Smile I'll be back later.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vtmom
    vtmom Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2009

    My breast started swelling with pain after the 1 radiation treatment, and it got progressively worse. My husband (of all people) suggested I not wear any kind of bra or undergarment, so I started wearing only a large soft t-shirt with a large comfy sweater. Made an immediate difference.

     I also added an acupuncture treatment once a week to help boost my energy. This made a big difference, I don't feel so tired and am not dragging at the end of the day.

    I'm officially 1/2 way through radiation today. 16 down, 15 more to go!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories