Radiate Axilla only, not chest wall

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Radiate Axilla only, not chest wall

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  • ProudMom_Wife
    ProudMom_Wife Member Posts: 634
    edited January 2011

    Hi, I was wondering if anyone has been given the option on only radiating the lymph nodes, specifically axilla lymph nodes and NOT the chest wall.  

    I had a BMX, only had cancer on the left. Small DCIS and IDC.  IDC was 1.3.  Upper outer quandrant, not near the chest wall.  No other cancer found in either breast.  No .lymphvascular invasion.  Everything was clean.

    I am currently doing chemo and will go on to hormone therapy.  However I have 2/4 positive lymph nodes so I fall into the gray  area regarding radiation.  Four medical oncs all said there was no reason to radiate the check wall (left side).  But two through I should have a discussion with radiation oncologist regarding the lymph nodes.

    However the radiation oncologist is saying that they will only radiate the lymph nodes if I radiation the chest wall.  

    Has anyone ever run into this?  

    I am going for a second opinion and have asked for my case to be brought before a tumor board. 

    Thank you for any inputs you can share. 

  • christina1961
    christina1961 Member Posts: 736
    edited May 2011

    bump - interested in replies- I have the same question.

  • ProudMom_Wife
    ProudMom_Wife Member Posts: 634
    edited May 2011

    Hi christina1961,

    My second opinion RO (not part of the cancer center I go to but works with them and sits on several tumor boards) said although he would like me to radiate my chest wall, he understood my reasons why I didn't want to, didn't agree with me completely, but said it was my body, my decision.  However, he strongly recommended that I radiated both my axilla and supraclavical lymph nodes since I refused the ALND.  So that is what I am doing.  My Medical Oncologist was fine with my final decision on this matter.  Started Rads two days ago, and so far so good.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

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