To Boost or not to Boost

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I have DCIS intermediate Grade and had two inciosinal Biopsies to remove and clear the margins.   I was scheduled to 16 Standard Radiation Treatments to be followed by 5 Boosts.

I had the last of the Standard Radiation Treatments this morning and met with the RO to discuss my progress and schedule the Boost Treatments.

The RO told me that the most important is the Standard Treatment and the Boost gives an extra insurance of "under 2%" in terms of recurrence.    The Under 2% number sounds so low I strongly considered passing on the Boost.

Has anyone faced this choice?   The RO told me it was up to me and I am very confused.   I have a few days to decide, since the Boost machine is not available until Friday.    I am really not sure what to do.    I did not have many SE's from the Standard Treatments - my nipple in the Treated Breast is much darker and I get occasional stabbing pain.   The dreaded fatigue has only hit me on the weekends and has been manageable.

I am leaning toward going the extra step and continuing with the Boost Treatments, but the percentage is making me wonder is it worth it?

Hoping to hear from ladies with a similar choice.

Comments

  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2012

    Hi Granitegirl - I just finished my last standard radiation treatment today too.  I'm scheduled to start my boosts tomorrow.  I wasn't given a choice but I had a really agressive cancer.  If they did give me a choice though I would continue on.  I just want to make sure that I do everything in the world possible to make sure that all of those little cells have been kicked to the curb.  Good luck with your decision.

    Take care!

  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2012

    I would do what the medical expert tells you to do. Most of the people on BCO are NOT medical experts, contrary to, some of their, opinions. Even though you "only" had DCIS, this is serious stuff.

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