Radiation to one or two areas question

cagio1 · October 2009

Hi. I had a lumpectomy and complete axillary disection where 27 LN were removed under my left arm. Of those, 2 were positive for cancer. After surgery, clear margins for lumpectomy (tumor were calcifications and less than 6mm). Spoke to rad onc and they said I had a choice to radiate one or two areas. The breast was definite but to radiate the shoulder area where there is the next batch of lymph nodes. This will cause scaring at the top of my lung which will not affect me in my life but does increase the chance of lymphedema in the left arm. I know I will do the breast but am up in the area about the upper left shoulder area. I am in the middle of chemo, (AC 4+ T4) and am trying to weigh my options. Does anyone have any opinion or been in the situation and how did it turn out?

Irishred · October 2009

Well, I wasnt given your choice, I had rads on four areas, including the back. I do have some lymphedema in the left arm, and am still numb from the surgery 6 months ago, I do feel like it has affected my lungs. Since a couple of weeks ago, being done with rads, I cant seem to breathe correctly, its like I always need more oxygen that I am getting. I go back Nov 4, and will talk to the rad onc at that time, now, I am just doing a little and resting as needed. I also had two nodes affected and 8 removed.

cagio1 · October 2009

Irishred Thank you for responding. I am sorry that you are having the complications you are having. What you are saying is what I have been thinking could happen. I was originally going to do the two areas but recently had a change of heart... thinking the one area. Thanks for your input, I hope it goes well for you on Nov 4.

Radiation to one or two areas question

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