Lumpectomy/Rads

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DebRox
DebRox Member Posts: 437
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Two Breast Surgeons have indicated I am a good candidate for lumpectomy and radiation.  I would need a reduction on BC breast as well to ensure clear margins.  I am considering this however am worried about radiation.  My cancer is on the left side so naturally worry about my heart, skin hardening, breast size changing etc.

I am 46. My path is ER+PR+ HER2-.  Not sure about anything else yet.  But cancer appears to be hormone related.

My question is why to rad oncs irradiate the entire breast?  Does that not seem like overkill?  The entire breast is not diseased, only the tumor bed?  Has anyone opted for partial rads only?

My reason for thinking of this is that IF my BC was to reoccur, I would wish for MX with recon.  If I rad entire breast, it is my understanding recon very difficult as skin would have to be harvested form elsewhere on the body.

I am consulting with a rad onc this week to discuss this.  But does anyone here have input?  Thanks.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited March 2011

    Thanks for posting these questions, DebRox as I have wondered the same.



    I am due to start radiation in May and have already met with my radiation oncologist. In regard to these concerns she indicated that by radiating the whole breast the chance of recurrence is minimised (sorry I can't remember the percentage she quoted). Similarly, she indicated that the risk of side effects is very small (again can't remember %). I also checked the NCCN guidelines that someone referred to elsewhere on this site and they confirmed that whole breast radiation is the 'standard of care'. I have also come to understand that the reason they say you can't have a second lumpectomy is because the area can't be radiated again.



    At this point I had decided to accept the recommended treatment and hope I never have to deal with recurrence or side effects but I am interested in any advice that others can give.



    Regards to all.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited March 2011

    Hi everyone, yes , Whole breast rads is standard of care per NCCN guidlines.

      I was given a choice of mammosite and whole breast. At first, I was psyched about the idea of mammo.. shorter time period, smaller area etc.. however, I went and got a few opinions and was happy I did.  While mammo might be good for some, whole breast does kill any cells lingering elswhere in the breast.  So for me, A large cancer center suggested they don't like to do mammossite unless you have non invasive DCIS.  I had an invasive tumor a bit over 2cm, plus a smaller area of dcis nearby.  If you have mammosite, these little buggers they cant see may linger and grow. 

    Given its new, I was not ready to try it. That being said, that was what I thought was best for me.  I am certain others will be along who were thrilled with that choice.  If I can offer any advice, get a few RO opinions and see what they say as the benefits and hazards with each tx choice.

    Good luck to you.

    Bevin

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