Study:Radiation affter lumpectomy not needed by some.

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Alcie1
Alcie1 Member Posts: 68
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I just saw a trailer on CNN about a new study that said that for some older patients, radiation may not provide benefit after lumpectomy.  Note that it's only for SOME patients!

I searched the CNN website for lumpectomy and radiation to find the story about the new study.  I've been wishing that I hadn't done the radiation, as an older patient, because I  was basically forced into it with no options although my chance of recurrence was only 6%.  I suffer with the effects daily .

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  • CrunchyPoodleMama
    CrunchyPoodleMama Member Posts: 1,220
    edited May 2010

    Thanks, Alcie - may I ask what side effects you experience? I'm so sorry you're not happy that you did it, but at least you're that much more sure to remain cancer-free!

    I'm probably going to forego radiation (for now) even though I'm 39 so I wouldn't be counted by that study. Did it say why rads doesn't benefit some patients?

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  • Alcie1
    Alcie1 Member Posts: 68
    edited May 2010

    The report was only CNN's summary, and they didn't give a reason.  It's just a statistical study of women with estrogen positive women, but it was a 10-year study.  I've read other studies that said there is little difference in older women - most studies were age 60 or 70 and up.  So I'd research a lot further at your age!

    I'm over 65, had only stage 1 estrogen + with lumpectomy.  Radiation gave me severe nausea starting at 2nd week.  I got permanent low white count because it hit my stomach and a rib.  I got necrosis under the areola, leaving the nipple to retract, and axillary cording from destruction of the lymphatics along my side, both of which cause me pain all the time. 

    Since I have had radiation, if I would have a recurrence I would be forced to have a mastectomy.  Had I not had it, I could have another lumpectomy.  Recurrence with and without the radiation are about the same risk according to other studies I have read.

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  • CrunchyPoodleMama
    CrunchyPoodleMama Member Posts: 1,220
    edited May 2010
    Thanks, Alcie... and I'm so sorry to hear about your side effects. I hope that somehow they turn out not to be permament... Frown
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  • TeresaD
    TeresaD Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2010

    Hey Alcie, I hear you about the radiation and side effects. I have read about that study as well. Its a shame you weren't given that option earlier. 

    I've done so much study about radiation, and uncovering the layers is tough. What I've basically come up with is this: For MOST people, radiation therapy is fine - for about 10 years which is about as long as they've studied people who have had the most recent therapies.

    But for people with special situations, there can be real reasons to consider other options (taking a chance or mastectomy). Being older I would think would be one of the most important criteria for considering other options. Athletes and other extremely active women,  are another special category. The only "special category" that is currently, regularly culled are women who may be pregnant. But these other categories do bear thinking about.

    From my reading (and I would be happy to have someone suggest otherwise), and discussions with my radiation oncologist, radiation does brittle the bones under the breast area, including the sternum. It does lead to possible lymphedema.

    If you already have any sort of extremity pains, or osteoporosis, or if for any reason you are very active (and this would probably include fast swing dancing, girls!), radiation could cause additional pain or impede you activities.

    Again, MOST people don't suffer anything. I believe these kind of side effects are on the order of 1-5%. Still, if you are either prone to pain in your arms (for example), or if you are a rock climber radiation may not be for you.

    Anyway Alcie, you know what they say about hindsight. I'm just thankful to read your experience as it emphasizes what I've been learning myself.

    Best of luck, thoughts and prayers. Teresa 

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