Has anyone had balloon-catheter internal radiation?

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

    Thanks. I will report when I have something to report, maybe later today. 

     I am waiting for you too, Shayne.  May 25 is on my calendar.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    omg.....its like time is going in slow motion over here......tick tock

    but one good thing......ive been able to research just a little......ordered some books online.....and slowly able to read some of what i already got.  Im in a calmer space for sure.....ready for this to be behind me!! 

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

    Shayne

    I  am home from the hospital.  Finally got that behind me.  Not a bad experience but I wouldn't choose if for a fun morning.

    Yes, with the passage of time, I too have had a chance to read a lot and digest at least some of the information out there. 

    You and I have Stage 0 hormone positive.  While it appears to be true that only about a third go on to become invasive, I am not willing to take that one in three chance that it wouldn't be invasive for me.  Only 12.5% of women in this country get breast cancer.  The odds were not working for me then either.  So as onerous as it is, you and I are going through this arduous journey.  At least yours will be done quicker than me and we will go on hormone therapy about the same time.  With the Mammosite, I would have been done last Friday but is was not to be.

    My life has been saved twice in the past by modern medicine.  I am happy to take advantage of yet a third time.  At least, they can do something.

    Next on this journey, what kind of hormone therapy will it be and what will that be like.

    Take care.  I am thinking of you.

     

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    Infobabe - glad this went well for you......keep me with you as you research hormone therapies.....im right there with you in needing to get more info!!

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

     Shayne

    My surgeon mentioned that I would be on tomoxifen which surprised me a little bit as I had a complete hysterectomy 33 years ago.  However, my DCIS is 100% hormone positive.  There can be side effects but not everyone gets them and they are often mild.  Don't know until I try.  Haven't seen my oncologist yet and it may all change anyway.  But there are 10 mg and 20mg.  I would hope to get the 10mg, but my luck isn't holding so good lately.  Everything takes so long.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    My dcis is 100% positive too......and BS also mention Tamoxifen.....have not done research at all - just too much right now....

    did you just have re-incision today? 

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

    Shayne

    Yes, I posted it above.

    And I have my 1/3 alcohol, 2/3 water ice pack on the offending boob.  Alcohol stops the water from freezing solid making a slush that is easy to form. Use 2, one inside the other, sandwich sized zip locks.  Don't fil it too much as you want them pretty flat.

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

    Today saw the surgeon and the lastest pathology report shows everything clear.  Now I wait a month for everthing to heal up.  I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist June 11 to see what comes next.  I may have to educate him that Oncotype for DCIS now available.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    YAY on the all clear Infobabe!!  Hope the rest of the treatment goes well for you.  

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  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 342
    edited May 2012

    Infobabe congraulations on the great news!!!!

    And Shayne I'm thinking of you and know you are anxious to be done :-)

    Cheri 

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    Thx Cherilynn!  

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  • Mtalsky
    Mtalsky Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2012

    My name should be confused because that's what I am (also overwhelmed). I am new here, my first post, but have gotten a lot of valuable information here. I had surgery May 17th, pathology came back clear margins, yay. Next is internal radiation with a ballon. My surgeon will insert it next Thurs. What can I expect? Does it hurt to get it put in and taken out? Do any of you work while going through the week of radiation twice a day, no showers, etc? I hear either no way can you work or I hear no problem working so I'm confused! what is your experience with side effects, etc... Anyone who has recently gone through this treatment, I would be grateful to hear your experience with it. After radiation then the decision becomes hormone therapy. This is just so overwhelming!

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  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited May 2012

    Mtalsky

    I had the contura balloon brachytherapy radiation this past November.  My surgeon had me anesthetised when he inserted the balloon.  When the RO removed it, he put some lidocane on the area and I had no sensation.  I am retired, so working was not a consideration.  I did use 'sponge baths' for the time the balloon was in.  There is no pain involved for the treatment.  Just have to lay still.  My RO and his team, to prepare for each treatment, was to put me on the table, then they would leave the room and move me in/out of the ct scan to be sure everything was in the correct place. The physicist would insert the rods, and I was left in the room alone while the actual treatment was done.  Whole procedure took about 20 minutes (actual radiation about 8).  Those ended on Nov. 18 and on the 21st I started on Letrozole.  Have had a few side effects but I figure if it will keep the beast (BC) at bay, it is a small price to pay (at least I am on the green side of the grass)

    Good luck with your treatments.  The waiting is the hardest part of everything.  I continue to get a lot of inspiration from the gals here and really appreciate the 'club' where we can share whatever is on our minds...

    Vickie

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited May 2012

    Mtalsky

    I had the balloon, in and out, last April.   I couldn't have the procedure because the balloon was too close to the surface.   But it was put in during surgery and taking it out was not painful due to the lidocaine.  Plus, I never watch.  You don't need to see that.  The biggest "pain" was the sponge baths.  But that was more do-able with the shower head on a hose.

    The doctors are very good at managing pain.  I quit worrying after I got the first pathology back.  From there on, it has been slow paced.  Had the biopsy March 15 and I won't be finished with everything unitl late September when I have the first followup mammogram.

    In the future you may wish to tell us what stage you are, what grade and whether or not hormone receptive.  This can all be found in the pathology report.  Always ask for a copy of these results for you to keep for your own information. 

    Best of luck.  Try not to be fearfull.  We will always be here for you to lean on. 

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  • Mtalsky
    Mtalsky Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2012

    I am very grateful to just have DCIS and not worse. I didn't go for my mammeo for 6 years. I could have just as easily had stage IV. With that said, This process is still very daunting. Thanks for your comforting words, it helps a lot!

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2012

    Hey mtalsky - hopefully im starting my internal rads on 6/11 too!

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  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 342
    edited June 2012

    Mtalsky,

    Welcome aboard, although I'm sorry to say that as you have to join us in all this. :-(

    If you go back and read some of my older posts on this, I posted a lot of details about my experience with the SAVI. It's similar to the balloon but it's more of a wire wisk. Mine hurt both in and out but I'm small breasted and was told I'd hurt more than normal size women. Some women on here felt nothing when it was removed.

    I worked full time while at the 5 days therapy. I did only work half sihft those days b/c I had to drive 25 min each way then you're there about an hour, so I used FMLA for that week. I stand for work and at a computer all day and I was fine the entire week. My issue was driving my stick shift car to and from appts, THAT was the hard part! But even that was do-able. I was on my own for pretty much everything and I handled everything fine.

     Good luck and keep asking questions and give updates! :-)

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  • Mtalsky
    Mtalsky Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2012

    I had the Savy (ballon) implanted yesterday. When the linocane wore off the pain began and continued to get worse. I had no pain meds so I got no sleep. I went to radiology this morning for a scan and measurements. They told me the pain is expected throughout treatment and gave a prescription for meds. My doctor had told me there would be no pain with this procedure. I don't understand why she told me this. The 6weeks, 5days a week treatment sounds great right now! One day at a time, right!

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  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited June 2012

    Mtalsky,

    I do not believe what they are telling you.   I had the Contura Balloon Brachytherapy last November, and had the 5 days 2 times a day radiation.  It WAS NOT painful.  The worst part was having to sponge bathe, and I had a little bit of trouble with the catheters staying taped down, but no pain....

    You will be glad to have had the short rad. treatments when you are done....

    Hang in there!!!

    Vickid

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited June 2012

    Cherilynn64

    How ae you doing with that Tomoxifen?  Any SEs? 

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited June 2012

    Mtalsky, I agree with Vicki, other than the catheter poking me occasionally, I had zero pain with the whole procedure. I would talk again with your doc.

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  • Mtalsky
    Mtalsky Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2012

    You two were very fortunate! Because without the pain meds I was in a lot of pain. It kept me up all night. I thought there was something wrong because your earlier posts said you both had no pain, but I saw the RO this morning who told me that the majority of patients need pain meds for the pain and it could last the entire week the catheter is in. Count your blessings that you lucked out and had an easier time! Thankfully it's just for a week!

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  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 342
    edited June 2012

    Mtalsky mine was uncomfortable and mildly painful the entire time and I had the SAVI. They told me smaller breasted women had more pain as well as normal or larger breasted women if the catheter had to be placed in a certain area of the breast. Mine hurt like hell going on and hurt like hell times 1000 coming out! But then it was done and over and no pain after. I worked full time throughout the five days and was able to do that just being uncomfortable.



    Good luck! Just remember, you are already that much closer to being DONE. When you get to day 5, you really will be glad you don't have 30 more days to go. :)



    Cheri

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  • Cherilynn64
    Cherilynn64 Member Posts: 342
    edited June 2012

    Infobabe: I am still side effect free. Never have had hot flashes, no bone or joint pain, no nothing. The only thing that happened is that two weeks after my last period end of April, I had spotting for 9 straight days. Then I never got my period end of May and no spotting since. Seems like my period has stopped. But no idea, nothing else has happened.



    I did see a naturopathic Onc and she agreed to do enzyme testing on me even though it's not conclusive anymore. But Im still scientifically curious so I am anxious t get the blood test results.



    Cheri

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited June 2012

    Cherilynn64

    I have a friend who was on Tomoxifen for 5 years and had no side effects either.  I will be starting on it in the late summer.  Thanks. 

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  • viaveneto
    viaveneto Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Hi, I'm new to the board and have a few questions for those of you that had the balloon radiation (brachytherapy).

    I had a lumpectomy on 5/17/12.The Surgeon removed about a golfball size of tissue and inserted a plain balloon from a side incision to "hold the place" for the  real Mammosite until the next week. I went back on 5/23 and the Surgeon and RO in the Radiation therapy office removed the plain balloon and inserted the Mammosite. I was supposed to start the radiation twice a day the next day, but instead they had to reposition the balloon and fill it more. I started radiation the next day (Friday 5/25), then a 3 days off due to the holiday and finished the treatment on 6/1. I went thru all the same details that Vickie described.

    Both the Surgeon and the RO told me to keep the catheter incision site covered with gauze and ointment and not to shower until the incision healed. They both insisted I didn't need any stitches or glue because it would close by itself when the serum drainage stopped. Well, the drainage has stopped but the incision site is still as wide open as it was the first day. Has anyone had the same problem? How long did it take for the incision to heal?

    Needless to say, I am not a "patient" patient! I took a shower and washed my hair anyway (I got tired of washing my hair in the kitchen sink and spray water everywhere! LOL). Besides, I am allergic to any king of tapes and adhesives and I was having more problems due to that than to the surgery or radiation. Honestly, both the surgery and the radiation were a piece of cake! I have not yet mentioned that  I have a 38D cup and the weight of the breast itself is enough to pull on any tape or band-aid I tried to use. I have to wear a bra all the time, even when I sleep!Yell But I diverge....

    Going back to the incision site, it has been a little over 2 weeks now since the balloon was removed and it doesn't look like is improving. I have a week vacation scheduled at the beach at the beginning of July and I am wondering if I will have to spend it indoor to avoid sand  and salt water from contaminating the wound. Please let me know if you had the same problem and how it resolved for you. I'll appreciate any advice.

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2012

    I just had my Savi brachy device removed friday.  They said it wouldnt close for 72hrs.....and then they want me to come back to see the RO in a week, then a month to check.  They told me it was ok to shower after 72hrs, when the wound should be healed and they said "scabbed over".  I did not have stitches either with this or the lx

    I would definitely call your doc and have it checked out 

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  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited June 2012

     Viaveneto

    Welcome to the 'club' no one wants to join but glad to have for venting and support!!!!

    The insertion site did take a while to heal, but I think it should have closed by now.  I think I would contact one of the Drs. and have them take a look at it.  I had to have a drain inserted a few days after rads finished and when the surgeon removed it he only put a gauze in place.  I too am allergic to Johnson & Johnson tapes but can use Curaid products.

    I found it most comfortable to wear a bra 24/7 for several weeks. (40dd)(on one side now,smaller on the other side) :-)

    It does get better (both physically and emotionally eventually)  

    Have a wonderful time on your vacation!!  I envy you.....Nebraska is a bit far from any nice beach.

    Vickie

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited June 2012

     viaveneto

    Yes, see your doctor.  They are the ones who created the situation and have the ability to do something about it.  

    Get a sports bra, a size bigger than you need  Check Penneys for a zip up the front cotton bra and wear it 24 hours a day.   I am surprised if they didn't tell you that as it is basic.

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  • viaveneto
    viaveneto Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2012

    Thank you Vickie and Shayne!

    I will take your advice and call the doc. It does fill lumpy and a little painful now where they removed the tissue.

    Maybe I need to.... be more patient!

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