Diagnosed Stage 0, Grade 2, PR positive 80%, PG positive 20%

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ClaireFraser
ClaireFraser Member Posts: 94
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed


It's been two weeks since I was diagnosed. I've had calcifications for several years, having mammograms every 6 months. Thank God the radiologist decided to biopsy, even though most calcifications are benign.


I had three surgical consults last week and finally decided on one. She says I am a good candidate for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (age 51 and <3 cm). I've been researching and am not sure about the APBI. I am worried because it is still fairly new, albeit since 2001. There is still data coming in, so I'm inclined to do the full radiation, even though the cancer is in my left breast. I understand with full, your heart and lungs will be protected if you lay face down.


Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited November 2013


    Hi Claire, did you write that the DCIS is greater than 3 cm? That's a fairly large area. I would be a bit leery, myself, about the partial breast irradiation. Anyway, you'll also get a consult with a radiation oncologist. Make sure that you ask about whether they have the capability to do the radiation in the prone (face down) position. My DCIS was around 5-6 cm, and I was recommended for the whole breast radiation. It was on the right side, and even though they do the prone position with people on the right side as well, they felt I was a good candidate for the supine position (face up). You can also ask if they do the Canadian protocol for early stage bc, which is 16 sessions rather than 25 (or more). The dosage is increased and the number of treatment days is shortened. I was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering, so they know about these options. Best of luck to you.

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited November 2013


    you need to chose what keeps your mind at east, I was not offered partial breast radiation for my DCIS


    ask for the full rads if you feel better as anything to keep you calm,. that is the right thing, good luck

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  • ClaireFraser
    ClaireFraser Member Posts: 94
    edited November 2013


    Correction, it's around 2cm. Thank you, Ballet, for the suggestion to ask the radiologist about the Canadian protocol. I guess I just assumed full radiation would be 6 weeks, but I know more once surgery is completed and the pathology report comes back (hopefully, with clear margins).


    Thanks so much for the feedback!

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited November 2013


    I did whole breast rads on my left side, but I did do it in the prone position ... worked out fine without any major problems whatsoever.

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  • ClaireFraser
    ClaireFraser Member Posts: 94
    edited November 2013


    Thanks, Annette.

    Another question for you ladies... I have not yet scheduled my surgery, but my guess, it'll be in the 2-3 weeks.  Granted the margins come back okay, when will radiation start?  Is it normally 2-3 weeks following surgery?  Considering my cancer was caught early, we are getting into the holiday season and I honestly would rather not be getting radiation on Christmas.

    Thoughts?

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  • Eloise
    Eloise Member Posts: 137
    edited November 2013


    Claire, I had my surgery around Thanksgiving 2010 and didn't start radiation until well into January 2011. I didn't even have my radiology consult until just after Christmas. As I recall, my radiation oncologist said they had to wait for a few weeks after surgery in order for whatever inflammation might result from the procedure to settle down, so the X-rays they do to calculate the precise area to be irradiated will be accurate. So you should be good for the holidays.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited November 2013


    I had my surgery in December, and started rads about 6 weeks later, towards the end of January. You should be fine.

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  • ClaireFraser
    ClaireFraser Member Posts: 94
    edited November 2013


    Thanks, ladies... you rock!

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  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited November 2013


    Hello, I had my rads consult yesterday, doc recommended prone position. Anyone else have the same that can share their experience?

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