brca2 and radiation

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pamelahope
pamelahope Member Posts: 534
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Is there anyone who is BRCA2 positive who had radiation? I am concerned about short and long term effects?

Pam

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited August 2012

    I wouldn't see how radiation side effects have anything to do with BRCA2 mutations.  There are side effects from radiation, but are more related to breast size (because of skin-on-skin contact), location of radiation field (right side/left side of chest, proximity to chest wall, whether or not you have axilla radiation, etc.).  Radiation "kills" proliferating cells, and it does so indiscriminantly -- meaning it doesn't seek out cells with any particular genetic mutation.

    For me, I was really apprehensive about radiation - I am 5 weeks out and have no regrets.

    Good luck Pamela, I hope your treatment is tolerable and does you good. 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited August 2012

    I am sorry blinthedesert I did not explain. Plus, I may not be able to explain completely as I am doing better from chemo, now on taxol, but still run down.

    People with the brca mutation can't repair double stranded DNA breaks as effectively as other people. We are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation. I have an increased risk of secondary cancers. Theoretically, radiation can kill cancer more effectively in my brca deficient tumor but I am at increased risk of not being able to repair my health cells or cause cancer in them.

    Five year out studies do not support this. I could not find a ten year to fifteen year study.

    Another reason I am so scared, is when I was 41 I had a mammogram. I had a reaction where my left breast itched for three days. Now at 45 that same breast has cancer. Also after my PET scan I vomited really bad. I think it was due to the radiation. I am suspecting, and hope I am wrong, that I am susceptible to radiation.

    Pam

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited August 2012

    There have been quite a few published manuscripts on this including this paper: 

    http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/18/19/3360.full.pdf

    and this one 

    http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/12/23/7025.full

    My understanding is that the benefit far outweighs the risk (since BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have a higher risk of contralateral cancers).  That said, I think that with your sensitivity to scanning modalities you should probably discuss these matters with your RO or MO. 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited August 2012

    Blinthedesert, Thanks for the information!

    I like my doctor but it is almost like asking a surgeon if you need surgery...except now of course. I discussed my sensitivities with the RO and he said I was probably anxious after the PET and that is why I threw up! I have been anxious for 45 years, LOL, and only threw up from chemo once or twice, and pregnancy. So, I feel a little stuck and confused. However, I will bring up to my other doctors too. I learned it is best to speak up before something happens.

    Pam

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited August 2012

    Pam, I understand, what you are going through would cause anyone stress. I hope you can find a good person you trust to help navigate through all of this. Do you know if there is a patient/navigator where you are receiving any of your treatments? They could be very helpful in your situation.



    Stay strong, we are all in your corner...

    Bonnie
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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited August 2012

    Thank you, Bonnie!

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2012

    Pamela, I don't know anything about BRCA and rads, so I can't help you there. However, if a doc suggests a PET for you in the future, I suggest you discuss what happened since the vomiting might have been a reaction to the injection given or the contrast fluids used.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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