Interstitual Radiaton

Hi Pam,

     After a partial mastectomy I opted out of chemo and was able to go within a month of surgery to brachytherapy which was completed at the end of April 2010.  The tiny tubes (8 comfort catheters) were inserted under general anesthesia and the first dose of radiation was administered that day.  The catheters remained in place for the week and at the end of each day  were dressed with plenty of polysporin.  The actual radiation session is painless and relatively quick (probably less than 10 minutes), but it is the connecting/disconnecting that takes a bit of time and depends on how gentle the technician is as to whether there is discomfort.  While I had blissfully thought that I'd go shopping for the 6 hours between sessions I found myself to be generally exhausted and very sensitive around the catheters, leaving me a total whimp for the week.  Fortunately the catheters were installed on a Wednesday morning so that I had a week-end break before returning to have them removed (totally painless) the Tuesday morning following the 8th session.  As instructed, I could not shower until 2 days after the catheters were removed and throughout was careful to use plenty of antiseptic and take antibiotics; which all worked wonderfully as I had no problems with infection (a major preoccupation of the medical staff).

     The tiny holes from where the catheters were inserted will initially look a little scary (I had 8 on each side of my left breast), but they close within about 10 days and then with a little massaging/moisturizer do start to fade.  After 2 months they ressemble skin tags (very light in colour) and most of the swelling has subsided.  I have also taken precautions to use heavy sunscreen on them, as well as the incision scar, to keep them from darkening.

     Beyond the practicality of 1 week versus 6, the internal radiation is well directed to just the tumour bed (the area of greatest risk of reoccurence) and stays away from heart/lungs, while also having almost no effect on the skin.  I had no redness or peeling, however there is some sun sensitivity which is easily fixed with sunscreen/lotion. 

     After first post-op/post-rads follow-up, all is well (blood tests normal) and only a frozen left shoulder remains to be resolved with physio.  If you are a candidate I'd encourage you to get scheduled ASAP as internal radiation is generally within 6 weeks of surgery.

     Be sure to get answers to all of your questions before deciding on rads (particularly if you have plans for implants).  Best of luck on your treatment,

Carol