Partial breast radiation

Hi, Juniper - I researched that issue when I was approaching radiation. A lot has to do with the location of your tumor - too close to the wall, for example, and it's ruled out. Nodal involvement usually rules it out. The location and how big the tumor bed is would affect it.

There are probably other factors that I've forgotten but if you look up radiation info on the main site (not just the discussion boards) you should find some useful guidelines.

That being said, each woman's situation is so different. I'd schedule a meeting with your radiation oncologist to thoroughly explore your options. Get a second opinion if it helps - I did and it was very helpful. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions and getting clarifications! Radiation can be daunting but it can also be a valuable tool in dealing with your cancer. I wasn't a candidate for partial breast radiation, much as I would have liked to go that route but understanding ALL the factors that dictated my treatment made a huge difference in being able to accept it. Grudgingly, at times, I admit.

Good luck!

JuniperCat, when you meet with your RO, do ask about scatter. I was surprised to learn that there really is none. The beam they use is so strong that it blasts right through the kind of lead shield you might use at the dentist (ergo no thyroid shield), hits exactly where it is targetted to hit, and is stopped by a couple of feet of concrete. They can show you exactly where the radiation will hit, and where it will not. In my case they said a very small sliver of lung tissue would be in the treatment field. I suppose if I'd squawked enough, they could have re-designed the field to not hit that bit of my lung (and, of course, a bit of my breast), but I preferred the planned treatment. For me the risk of return of an existing cancer was far greater than a risk many years down the line.

JuniperCat, you might want to read through a couple of the threads on this site dealing with partial breast radiation or brachytherapy. Just click on the "Search" box on the upper left hand column of this site and enter the keyword brachytherapy. You'll see links to past discussions about eligibility, how it is done, and insight into dealing with it. Best wishes as you enter the radiation stage. You're right where I was at this time last year!! I had brachytherapy using SAVI device (5 days/twice a day radiation through a catheter device) and have been glad I took that route.