Radiation to the Sternum

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Hello12
Hello12 Member Posts: 33
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

 Hello everyone, this is my first post on this website, hopefully I am in the right section.

My mother has had 9 treatments to the sternum. (She was supposed to get 10 but had to stop the last one due to side effects). The radiologist said that she would have problems with her esophagus, such as swallowing and discomfort. Her pain has been terrible and she can swallow very little amounts at a time, and that still even causes pain. The doctor said people with radiation to the sternum dont get it THAT bad. She is worried that it will not get better. Do any of you have experince of radiation to this area, or know of someone who has? Should it begin to improve? She wants to get 1 more treatment... if only the pain would stop.

Other than the esophagus problems, she has had no other pain issues lately (Including the cancer in the bones!) Ironically, the treatment is hurting her worse :(.

 Thanks everyone.

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Comments

  • Obaney
    Obaney Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2012

    I am currently having radiation to my sternum and first rib. The pain of talking and swallowing is horrendous!!!!! I have had 14 tx with 4 more left. If it gets the cancer i will do whatever necessary.

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited November 2012

    I had rads to the sternum 6 years ago and I have to say, I must have been one of the lucky ones as I had only minor heartburn and nausea, but no other SEs. Make sure the medical team know exactly what problems the rads are causing, so that they can help treat the symptoms.



    Perhaps more importantly, the rads got me to NED and I stayed there for nearly 5 years. I hope that your mother and Obaney will get great results, too.

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  • NSJ2
    NSJ2 Member Posts: 227
    edited November 2012

    Where exactly is the "sternum"?

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  • NSJ2
    NSJ2 Member Posts: 227
    edited November 2012

    Nevermind, I see from the pic below where it is.

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  • NSJ2
    NSJ2 Member Posts: 227
    edited November 2012

    Does anyone know, do most prescriptons of rads to the left or right breast typically include the sternum?

    NSJ2

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  • NSJ2
    NSJ2 Member Posts: 227
    edited November 2012

    Bumping looking for answers. to my above post regarding sternum radiation.

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  • Varod
    Varod Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2013

    Njs2,

    The sternum is not a target for standard (adjuvant) radiation to either breast, but may receive some radiation.

    The issue with the posters above is that their sternums are being targeted (this is often because of cancer there causing pain), and to fully treat the sternum, some area behind it is getting treated. This is what is causing the side effects (irritation of esophagus)

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  • Lolalee
    Lolalee Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2013

    Hi NSJ2, I would like to add my experience.  I had lumpectomy for 11mm DCIS and was recommended to have radiotherapy.  I had the simulation and planning and went along for first treatment.  I asked that they draw on my chest exactly where the radiation was to hit. Imagine my surprise when the markings included a huge area, up to clavicle bone, along the sternum, down to abdomen and under arm.  I immediately stopped treatment and asked to see the RO to discuss this plan.  The RO said that this was standard procedure for my left side DCIS even though I had small area and no node involvement.

    As Varod said the sternum was not the actual target but it was hit anyway, probably with a lower dose because the breast tissue does extend to that area.

    I am sorry this does not answer Hello 12's question however.  The radiation pain may settle down after a while. I am surprised the MO or RO could not answer your questions exactly.

    I hope your Mom does get some relief and quickly having such pain is a terrible way to live. My best wishes to you both.

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