Mamosite

michlady · October 2009

I've recently been diagnosed with IDC and will be undergoing a lumpectomy next week. The lumpectomy will be followed by radiation, if the lymph nodes are not involved. Has anyone had experience in regards to Mamosite in place of "typical" radiation? If so, any information would be appreciated.

jeanneann8 · October 2009

Hi there..I was diagnosed 9/25 and had my lumpectomy on 10/07 with SNB. I saw my rad onc today and she wanted to see if I was a good candidate for the Mamosite or if I was interested. I have talked to one person who did the Mamosite and was very pleased as radiation treatment was done in 4 days twice a day vs 33 sessions. My doc was very informative. She said it depends alot on the location of your tumor, whether it is close to the skin and the balloon goes into the cavity (where the lesion was located) with a catheter is attached. It has to fill the cavity perfectly. The trial studies are finished after a 5 year study. It appears that the data is the same so far as the standard although the studies have not been officially published. Science is drastically improving. It is a personal decision. I have opted to do the standard as it is giving me more time off work and more peace of mind to wrap my mind around it all.I am so used to being strong and I am at a point in my life where I am re-evaluating what it is that makes me truly happy. I am divorced and work as a social worker ...difficult work and a lot of work hours. Never really took much time off for myself. In a way getting breast cancer and catching early has been a blessing in disguise. I know that sounds morbid but it made me stop in my tracks and look at my life from a different percpective. Plus for me I am more comfortable with knowing the statistics. The gal who had the mamosite is really, really pleased. She is still cancer free after 4 years. She is extremely happy with her choice. The data so far is favorable. The choice is really yours.

I had my lumpectomy a little over a week ago and everything went well. I am heavy breasted so I am a little sore, a little discomfort where the SNB was done. All very tolerable.

Good luck with your surgery and please let me know how it goes and what you decide to do.

Take Care~

Jeannie

michlady · October 2009

Thank you, Jeannie. I appreciate you time. It's such a tough decision for me. I'm into statistics, as well, so am hesitant to jump into something new. Although the studies seem good so far, I just wouldn't want to hear that I have a reoccurence down the line - it's my 2nd bought with cancer (both totally unrelated) and I want it to be my last Smile Glad to hear your surgery went well - I'm a bit nervous about the days after. I'm a pretty active person and hate not to be able to do things. Not sure really what to expect afterwards. I don't have a radiation oncologist assigned to me yet - maybe I'll be seeing one shortly after my surgery, like you did. This wasn't discussed at pre-op and I didn't think about asking. I hope mine will be as informative as yours was. The information you sent will be helpful.

You're not working during your radiation treatments? Do you feel you could...physically? I probably could have with my last cancer, but it was summer and I was off of work anyway (I'm a teacher).

Again, thank you for your time. The decision will come to me and when it does, I'll know it will be the right one for me.

Lisa1962 · October 2009

Hi michlady, Six years ago at the age of 65 my mom had Mammosite. She was really in the trial group in Philadelphia. Actually, Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder of breastcancer.org, and a breast cancer radiation oncologist, was my mom's doctor! My mom did super with the, I believe, about 10 minute treatments, twice per day for 5 days. She is doing great 6 years out, and has spoken to many women (the physician referred them to my mom) to speak with them about my mom's experience. I know if you would like to talk with her about her experience, that I could hook you up. The Mammosite website is a great information place. Actually my husband, a professor, found it for my mom, and gave her physician names in her area that were performing it at the time. It has become more well known in the past 6 years. Back then, it was a very specific population that would be able to receive it---postmenopausal, small tumor size, location, etc.

Like Jeannie told you, only you, with the help of your doctors, can make the choice that will be best for you and your health. For my mom (and my dad) Mammosite was the perfect option, and she was extremely pleased with the experience.

Good luck to you in your decision---I'll be thinking & praying for you. Let me know if you'd like to be in touch with my mom---she loves to share her experience......Lisa

michlady · October 2009

Thank you, Lisa. I've heard such great things about it - I don't know why I'm so hesitant. I'm trying to do all the research I can (in case I'm a candidate), as I don't believe the hospital I'm using provides this service. I've only heard good things so far - thank you for offering to get in touch with your mother. When I know if I am a candidate for it (next week, I presume) I"ll let you know if I'll need that. It's a very generous offer. Thank you. -Sue

jeanneann8 · October 2009

Hi again Lisa....I do believe that I would be able to physically work now and with radiation...I will have to travel to a nearby town for my radiation treatments and my work requires so many deadlines and emotional wear on my part. It has been years since I have taken any time off. I, too am very active and it seems that I have been busier since I have been off..lol.Some people say they get fatigued after..but I don't know yet. I have to heal completely (about 4 weeks from the surgery date) before they can start standard radiation. Yes, my surgeon referred me to the rad onc after surgery. If I had chosen the Mammocite they would go back in immediately before any real healing began. The incision for my SNB was more tender and you are not supposed to be raising your arm etc.in the beginning..I kept forgetting. A good soft sports type bra was a must for me. I had trouble finding one that was comfortable but as I said I am heavy breasted.Good Luck to you.....I am very stubborn about staying down and do not do it well.... Laughing

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joannsend · October 2009

I decided to give it a try. Went in, had the ballon "installed". Next day in my follow up, we found out it was to close to my chest cavity and they pulled it out. I figured what was one more scar and since I was sore at that point already, I might as well get it all over with at one time if I could.

About two months after my surgery, I started radiation. Kept my regular work scheduale and went in daily. The radiologist insisted I take off the last week, even though I had very little fatigue.

Good luck to you - hope everything works out for the best.

michlady · October 2009

Thank you, holmium1. You didn't start radiation until two months after surgery? Is that because of the healing that needed to get done or is that a typical wait?

michlady · November 2009

Thought I should follow up. My surgery went well. Mamosite, however is not an option as the lymph nodes tested positive. So, chemo will be starting next week, followed by more surgery. I want to thank all of you for responding to my radiation question, as I tried to prepare for the (what I thought would be the) next step.

Mamosite

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