SAVI breast brachytherapy - 5 day

I almost had it but ended up with IORT instead. If you're a candidate for one you *should* be a candidate for the other.

The reason I almost had it was that the IORT machine used by my doctor was not certified until the day after my lumpectomy. Therefore, I had the temporary balloon placed in my breast and was going to have SAVI but the doctor called and said the machine had been certified, so she removed the balloon and I had IORT instead.

One of the biggest advantages to internal radiation, either IORT or SAVI/Mammosite/whatever is that you won't get burning on your skin. If you check out some of the threads here you'll find this was very bad for some women. Another big advantage is the reduced treatment time.

I found the balloon very uncomfortable while it was in my breast, and I was unable to sleep much while it was in. However, I still would have chosen it over whole breast radiation. WBI scares me. 

I urge you to check out IORT -- look at http://www.breastcanceriort.org/ and other sites -- and see what you think. IORT is not available in some states but if it's available near you, try to get it! You won't be sorry.

I just finished this week partial breast radiation with the SAVI catheter.  Although the catheter was inconvenient and uncomfortable, I am glad I chose it.  If you would like more info, please feel free to contact me.

Like April I too am a Savi Sister, having been diagnosed with stage 1 invasive and receiving therapy in January.  I have a very low threshold of pain, but I found the cathetar only uncomfortable, and by the third night was sleeping well with a pillow at my side.  At three months my surgeon said I wouldn't believe how different I would have looked if I had had the traditional method.  I also do not have the time, owning a business, and living alone at this stage of my life,    except for my puppy.  I have never had surgery before other than tonsils.  From what I have   learned, this is definitely the treatment for me if I ever have to do it again.  And if you do not know by now, the support community is incredible.

HI ktab96

  I completed the Savi treatment in May of 2010  at age 72.  I was a little concerned when making my choice between chemo and radiation, but my doctor was very informative, showing me an actual mockup of the savi insert itself) as in the  video. Since I was in excellent health, (well you know what I mean, we decided to go with the savi.  I found it very easy and uncomplicated.  It took me longer to drive to the doctors office then the treatment itself.  It was slightly uncomfortable, but I had a positive attitude and it went well.  The doctor had tapes playing in the treatment room, so I could pick my music and that really took my mind off of the treatment. I know this is a very difficult choice, but get the facts, have a positive attitude and I'm sure you will make the right decision.   YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Hi, they give you a elastic colored wrap that you are supposed to wear. I bought several soft and wirefree bras online that fasten in the front and I am still wearing them as they are so comfortable.. I bought mine out of the Carol Wright catalogue.  I actually wore the leisure bra on top of the  wrap they give you and then took it off before treatment. You keep the wrap on at all times except when they unwrap you for the treatment. You are laying down so the wrap is right under you and after they velcro it  back. I have large breasts and was not comfortable with just the wrap. Good luck

I had mamosite radiation from April 19 thru April 25th. It is the way to go if you are a candidate.  You may have fatigue, at least I did, it hit me about the 5th treatment.  My tumor was on the inside portion of my right breast next to my chest wall.  They said it was in a very unique place.  The removal of the devce was very easy.  I had a  little redness and some peeling.  I bought fasten down the front cotton sports bras and they feel great.  Actually I am still wearing them at night.  I seem to sleep better bound up.  I decided after I had the port put in for chemo I had better buy a couple more, as I can not wear my form fit bras with the port.  I am 62 and had never owned a sports bra.  Also not only did I wear the front close bras but also wore a button blouse so all I had to do was unbutton everything and did not have to get into a gown.  That was great.

Good luck

I had the Savi catheter put in on 7/14 and I start treatments Mon. 7/18 and they end Fri 7/22 when the catheter will be removed.     I already can't wait to get it out as it is bulky under my arm and pulls when you move certain ways.   At times I feel nothing,  at other times I am very sore & uncomfortable.   Sleeping was difficult the first night,  but I found that having an extra pillow & keeping my arms in front of me while I am sleeping is more comfortable.   Not being able to bathe is horrible,  and sponge bathing is rough because when you move it pulls and gets sore.    The good thing is I felt nothing when it was being inserted,  and it's only there for a week.    And I was told this method is more accurate, effective and there are less side effects then other methods.   So regardless I am glad I was a candidate for this type of radiation.    

Jane, I'm no authority, but I think the surgery site would be way to healed up to do it now. I think more than likely you're looking at standard radiation. thank goodness you Dr's realized before radiation you needed chemo. I wasn't so lucky and did the radiation first.

ktab96,  how are you making out with your incision hole?   My doctor didn't put any steri strips on mine,  I had to keep peroxide and neosporin ointment on it.   I tried just using a band aid,  but it did not let air get to it so it could heal.   So I started to put a gauze pad over it.   That seemed to work well,    It's been 11 days today since I had mine removed and it's almost closed all the way.   I have a scab there now and it seems to be healing nicely.    Hope you're making out Ok. 

Hi ktab96,   I am so glad to hear you're healing and doing well.       You seem to be having the same issue I am having with the nipple area.   Mine is very sore & tender and hard and bumpy in places.   My doctor told me that is probably from the blue dye from the sentinel node injection.  But he also told me that may never go away.   I was not happy to hear that,  so I am going to wait a while to see if it subsides.   If not,  I am going to go for a second opinion.   

ktab96,

I had the savi treatment at the end of June.  I am also large breasted.  I went to walmart and bought 2 of their sports bras that open in the front.  I was able to using gauze to keep the catheter in place inside my bra.  Because i am large breasted, I also invest in a zip up robe from walmart.  I felt uncomfortable in the gowns provided by the radiation center.  I made sure that it unzipped uncompetely.  My experience was not as bad as i expected.  I would recommend that you take some pain meds on the last day for them to take the catheter out.  There is some pain that lasts for about 4 minutes while they are taking it out and the pain meds helped me.