Medication or not, post mammosite radiation

Nancy42
Nancy42 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Medication or not, post mammosite radiation
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  • Nancy42
    Nancy42 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2012

    Will see my onc later this week to discuss medications.  Not sure I want to even try.  Had lumpectomy last July which was 7 mm, Grade 1, Stage 1, Her-2 negative, and in August removal of a little more from the same area and five sentinal lymph nodes.  Path report was all negative for 2nd surgery.  In November I had a Contura balloon placed and received 10 radiation treatments, two daily for five days.  My Oncotype DX report was "low risk".  With all the nasty side effects of medication for five years I am leaning toward not taking any. At my age I am not sure I want to give up my quality of life for what time I have left anyway.  Would like to hear if anyone has been in this same situation. 

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  • MarieKelly
    MarieKelly Member Posts: 591
    edited January 2012

    Hi Nancy -  I was diagnosed with grade 1 IDC and DCIS (single 1 cm tumor) the end of February 2004 when I had just turned 49. I went into a natural menopause about 9 months prior at age 48. It was recommended that I take tamoxifen which I refused, then arimidex which I also refused and whole left breast radiation - also flat out refused.  The only treatment I allowed was a wide margin lumpectomy with biopsy track removal and a sentinel node biopsy in which only 1 node was removed.  Now, nearly 8 years later, I'm still doing just fine with no recurrence. I never had an Oncotype DX because it wasn't available back then but I've no doubt that I would also have been labeled "low risk" had it been done. I've never even seen an oncologist again since very shortly after my surgery - I just have yearly mammograms and am followed routinely by my PCP. 

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  • glasslady062011
    glasslady062011 Member Posts: 43
    edited January 2012

    Hi Nancy:

    I was diagnosed last June with invasive ductal carcinoma and underwent a lumpectomy.  Four days later I underwent focused radiation (mammosite).  My OncoDx test was low so I did not have to undergo chemotherapy.  In August, I started Anastrozole (generic of Arimedix) and although the side effects where not great in the beginning, things have gotten better.  Each day is different.  Some days I feel pretty good and then others I don't.  I do everything I can to get as much rest as I can, especially on the days that I don't feel good. 

    For me, I chose to under go the drug therapy for 5 years due to my family history (Mother & Maternal Grandmother).  I am fortunate that my cancer was caught early and I will utilize all means available to me to my reoccurrence. 

    This disease will not steal my joy.  Until then, I will look for new ways to reduce my side effects and enjoy life..  I hope this helps.

    Freedom Date:  July 4, 2016

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  • carms48
    carms48 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2012

    I just had the mammosite inserted today 2 days after my second surgery due to the fact that a margin wasn't clear after the mastectomy.  I am in a lot of pain after the insertion.  Any advice?  Will the pain lessen?  I wish I refused all extra treatment.

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  • carms48
    carms48 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2012

    I had the same diagnosis that you had, just had the mammosite inserted to do the 5 day radiation, but wish I had refused all further treatment.  I admire you.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited January 2012

    CS - have you tried Tylenol or any kind of pain meds?  It will help.

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