Localized Radiation?

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pamallen
pamallen Member Posts: 20
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Has anyone every had localized balloon radiation after their lumpectomy.  I just got back from my surgical follow-up from my lumpectomy on Friday.  The surgeon said they got good margins and my lymph nodes were clear.  She then said we needed to start radiation.  She gave me an option of 5 days a week for 6 weeks radiaiton on the whole breast, or 5 straight days of 2 treatments per day localized with a ballon at the spot.  I chose the 5 days because I just want this to be over and not have to deal with Cancer hanging over my head for 6 more weeks.  Plus it seems better to just put radiation in that one spot not the whole breast.  Has anyone ever done this form of treatment?  What was your experience?  Is it better, the same????? Thanks.

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited January 2011

    I had whole breast radiation myself but there are many threads talking about mammosite.  If you search for "mammosite" you should be able to pull them up. 

    Mammosite has not been used as long so studies reporting results go out a shorter time period of data than studies for whole breast radiation and clinical trials of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), for which Mammosite is one method, are still underway.  The vast majority of patients on the major NSABP/RTOG clinical trial of APBI were treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), a form of external beam therapy, rather than Mammosite, and those results will not be available for some time yet.

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  • gginga
    gginga Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2011

    I had the mammosite radiation the first of Sept. 2010. The procedure went well and I have had no problems so far. I still think this was the best decision for me. I was fortunate enough to have a very good surgeon and oncology dept. that had much experience in mammosite radiation. Just ask questions and feel comfortable that you are in good hands.....

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  • helenap
    helenap Member Posts: 105
    edited January 2011

    i too had mammosite in July and thankful for one week of radiation and not having to expose my heart and lungs. I have had some unusual things happen. the tube (which cost $5000) burst in my boob prior to radiation. I do have some pains in the area once in awhile. I notice them but it is more of a nuisance and not long lasting. Mine was grade 2-3 and some doctors according to the people on the site say they dont recommend for high grade. but mine was small, in a good place (and wide wide margins) and I am over 60 and less likely to have a recurrence.. I would highly recommend.

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  • pamallen
    pamallen Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2011

    Thanks for the info ladies.  I have spent a little time looking at info online and do think I made the right decision.  I'm thinking why expose myself to radiation all over if its only needed in one spot.  Hopefully all will go well and we can move on .......

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  • pamallen
    pamallen Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2011

    I had my balloon cathetar put in yesterday.  It is kind of uncomfortable and a little painful.  For those of you who had this done, is this normal.  I go to the radiologist today for them to make sure that all the measurements etc are good before we start the radiation tomorrow.  I can check with them but I was just curious if anyone else felt that it was this uncomfortable?  Thanks.

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  • gginga
    gginga Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2011

    I did have some pain the day they put the baloon cathetar in. After that mine was very uncomfortable but not painful. Was most uncomfortable at night trying to lie comfortably. I had some seepage at the entrance of the tube into the breast all week that was quite a nuisance at times, but Dr. assured me that was OK. I think you will get more accustomed to the pressure as the days go by. Hopefully the week will pass quickly for you! I dreaded so much the last day because I thought the removal of the tube would be much worse than it was. For me it was not bad at all...hardly felt it. But it felt so good to get the balloon out!

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  • pamallen
    pamallen Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2011

    gginga- Thanks so much.  When I met with the radiation person for measurements etc the other day, they took some of the solution out of the balloon which helped a lot.  It was actually a little too full.  Since then, just as you mentioned.  It is uncomfortable but not painful.  I still can't wait until next Thursday when it can come out.  I am more bothered by the thought of it than anything else.  I know there are different sizes and they say mine is a smaller one, but the thought of that thing sticking out of me makes me kinda sick if I think about it too much :-)  Still better than 6 weeks though :-)

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  • ginger2345
    ginger2345 Member Posts: 517
    edited January 2011

    I had mammosite over 6, (yes, 6 , yeah) years ago and would choose it again if appropriate.

    The balloon was uncomfortable and I had the small one, too. I tried to keep my arm as quiet and close to my side as possible and that helped greatly. The 5 days will be over in a flash. (Due to some skin to cavity issues, I had the balloon in for 10 days and had no problems with removal or problems afterwards either.)

    Wishing you the best.

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