Small breasts and SAVI treatment

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sunny1157
sunny1157 Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I was diagnosed in August with DCIS and had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on September 8.  Since I was a candidate for SAVI, I decided to go with it rather than whole breast radiation.  I had it put in on Tuesday and my first two radiation sessions on Friday.  I'll go tomorrow though Thursday and should be finished.

While I am extremely grateful that I can have this treatment, my breast with the SAVI in it aches constantly and it's very difficult to sleep because of the pressure.  I am small busted and the nurse that gives me the CT scan says I have the largest SAVI in.  It is also quite close to the skin surface.  My shoulder is also hurting and I can't raise it very high.  Do any of you know if this is normal?  From everything I've read most people say it's painless.  I have been told before that I have a high pain tolerance.......now I'm not sure sure. 

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  • cycle-path
    cycle-path Member Posts: 1,502
    edited September 2011

    I didn't have SAVI myself but I almost did so I pay attention to the posts about it. I don't know that I've seen anyone say it was painless. It seems like "very uncomfortable" is a common statement and I think the complaint about being unable to sleep is extremely common. 

    Have you been given something like Vicodin to deal with the discomfort and/or something to help you sleep? If you call the doctor's answering service today they can probably call in a script for you. Since you won't need it past Thursday or so they ought to be willing to prescribe something pretty strong. 

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  • nwest125
    nwest125 Member Posts: 240
    edited September 2011

    I was going for the SAVI when I was first DX but when I had to go back for re-cision I decided against the SAVI.So I don't know I just know that what they put in me after surgery was very uncomfortable.

    Nancy

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  • DebConway
    DebConway Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2011

    I just finished with my SAVI treatment on September 2. I have larger breasts; but somtimes sleeping was a challenge because I am a side sleeper. I could sometimes feel it. I could not stand to hold my arm over my head for the x-rays beforehand and for the treatments. My doctor suggested Vicodin and it worked wonders. I am not sure where you are receiving treatment; but if you have any doubts ask them to contact Cianna. I was fortunate to be the first at IU Cancer Center to receive the SAVI and the local rep was there for most of my treatments to oversee everything. They also sent a physicist to plan my radiation based on my tumor cavity. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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