Radiation Therapy of the same area

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mbuckleyil
mbuckleyil Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I was diagnosed with stage 2b triple negative breast cancer in 2007.  I had a mastectomy (and expander for an implant), chemotherapy and radiation.  All seemed well until November 2012 when I found a lump on the same side even though my breast had been removed.  I have had chemotherapy and surgery (no evidence of cancer cells were found in the tissues taken during surgery).  The surgeon and medical oncologist are both pleased with the outcome.  As precaution radiation has been recommended.  I have seen two Radiation Oncologists who offer two different plans.  The first doctor got my medical file fifteen minutes before seeing me and suggested radiating an area that would include a small section that had been radiated before over a three week period.  The second doctor met with me and it was obvious he had reviewed my file.  He knew the name of my surging, he knew how much radiation I had received in the past and when.  He suggests radiating the entire area again with small doses of radiation twice a day over a five week period.  He explained all the possible side effects, which sound scary.

I want to do everything I can to prevent another reoccurrence but I’m afraid of the possible side effects of radiating the same area.  The doctors’ plans are so different.

Can anyone offer any information?  I don't know what to do.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2013

    Hello mbuckley, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

    Until other members of the community post with their experiences, there's more information at the main Breastcancer.org site in the section When Is Radiation Appropriate?

    Another section you might want to read is Making Sense of a Second Opinion that talks about a situation such as yours, and how to approach it.

    Please keep us posted, and best wishes to you.

    • The Mods

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  • mbuckleyil
    mbuckleyil Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2013

    Thanks for the information.  I will take the suggestions from the section Making Sense of a Second Opinion.

    I had a CT scan today to develop a new plan with the doctor who provided the second opinion.  I crossed paths with the original doctor after the second opinion appointment yesterday and she looked past me.  It made me feel uncomfortable, especially since she will be responsible for my care if the new doctor is not available.

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Mbuckleyil - sorry that you are trying to make sense if 2nd opinion and do not feel that your doctor is listening and involved with your case.

    Does your center have a board to review tx options?

    Sounds like the 2nd Dr is listening...

    Is there a support group at your center where you you share your concerns and get feedback?

    Have you posted on the triple neg thread or on recurrence thread?

    P,ease add your dx and tx to your profile so others can better address and respond to your questions.

    Sending good confident thoughts your may for discernment and wisdom in choosing the best course of action:)

    Stand strong warrior!

    Cindy

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  • raspberry
    raspberry Member Posts: 48
    edited June 2013

    mbuckleyi - read as much as you can. I have read so much, I realized my Radiation Oncologist knows less than me in regards to my particular kind of breast cancer and also most definitely my particular case.

    I realized she had absolutely zero interest in fully informng me, its something we all have to do for ourselves, each cancer is as different as our own personalities. I am refusing radiotherapy, but that is just me and I advise no one to do anything except find out all that they can about the particulars of their own case, statistics that apply to them in particular and ALSO the combinations of therapies doctors are offering - they forget some important details sometimes, which is what your question is about.  

    My blog is all about my decision and why, it may or may not be of interest, but doctors sure can be arbitrary and disinterested, so don't preclude that they care. Its clear to me, many don't.  http://nzmermaid.blogspot.co.nz 

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