radiation boosts to the axilla

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peeps1111
peeps1111 Member Posts: 262
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi:

Wondering if anyone has had radiation to the axilla and if so, how did it go?  I refused the axilla surgery after they found one micromet in one of two sentinel nodes so when I do rads in Dec., they will be radiating the axilla. Also wondering about boosts.  I am going to refuse boosts to the axilla because of the high incidence of lymphedema with that.  Also, does anyone know how they decide if they also radiate the supraclavicle nodes.  I have thyroid disease and want to avoid any radiation near my thyroid. 

Peeps

Dx 6/20/08, lumpectomy, 7/30/08, TCx4, Oncotype DX 20, IDC, 1 cm, DIC,1cm, Stage 2A, Grade 2, 1/2 sentinel nodes, refused axillary dissection

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  • climbergirl
    climbergirl Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2009
    Peeps,

    If the have found any positive nodes they will want to do all the fields that they can. I only let them take one node and it had a micromet. I did the all the fields that they wanted and it was ok but you really need to do PT afterwards for this and to keep things all stretched out. That many Radiation fields will most likely make not only your chest and shoulder tight but also your back. Being on the machine that long is a real pain and very uncomfortable but doable. The thyroid is indeed partially in the field for the supra no doubt about it so you may want to pass on that.If it were up to me and I had a pre existing Thyroid issue I would most likely pass. If you have done any chemo that would also sway the decision. 

    Make sure that your rads person is top notch if you need to do multiple fields. I was seen by Dr Harris at Dana Farber who is the best and I trusted him not to destroy my thyroid...which so far seems ok. He is also a living doll and a compassionate, informed guy. I have heard horror stories about one of the guys at Mass Gen that my surgeon set me up with initially. (Taghian) Happily I have some connections there so found out who was to be avoided.

    Best of luck and I hope it goes by fast!

    climbergirl 

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  • peeps1111
    peeps1111 Member Posts: 262
    edited January 2009

    Hi climber girl:

    Thanks. I am also seeing Dr. Harris.  He is great.  I was very upset to find out two days ago that they added 2 more treatments at the end.  They gave me a new schedule and I thought it was because they changed the time but then I realized when I got home that the additional treatments were on the schedule and I think they should have explained it to me.  Today I asked and the rad tech said something about "coning down".  I said I hoped it wasn't boosts to the axilla because I discussed that with the resident at the beginning of treatment.  I am doing rads to the axilla, not the supra, but I am not going to do boosts.  I see the dr. on Tuesday so I will ask again.  I had a micromet as well. I am not on the table that long, it's only a few mins.  I did have chemo.

    Peeps

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  • xiaomei
    xiaomei Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2010

    climbergirl,

    I just searched the name "Taghian" and found your post. Is he the guy to be avoided? What did you hear about him (you can PM me). Unfortunately he's my radiation doctor and I have been having a terrible time with him. I asked so many questions for which he was either unwilling or could not answer. He does not make me feel good or confident. I have 5 more days then hope to never see him again. Among all the doctors I have met in my life, this one ranks at the bottom.

    Mei

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