Radiation now or wait until BRCA testing is done?

Options
HeidiMSU
HeidiMSU Member Posts: 4
edited January 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I had a lumpectomy on 11/25/15 to remove a very small (1 mm) invasive lobular cancer area in my left breast. All good: clear margins, clear nodes. Am healed up quite well now and had my first visit to the radiation oncologist this past week (6 weeks post-surgery). Thought I would be starting my radiation treatments over the next week or two, but the doctor said it would be best to get genetic test results first, as maybe I would then opt for mastectomy. Apparently having radiation, then trying to do a mastectomy/reconstruction (if BRCA +) can be more complicated due to tissue damage. I'm worried about putting radiation on hold while I wait weeks for BRCA results. Has anyone here done radiation, then mastectomy and if so, any problems with surgery or recovery? I'm 48 and have my mother, 2 aunts and 1 cousin who have had breast cancer. Thank you

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2016

    Hi Heidi-

    We understand how this could be a difficult decision for you! But it sounds like the genetic testing your doctor suggested would be a good idea, given your family history. If your radiation oncologist is comfortable having you wait, that should give you some comfort. In regards to the question about surgery after radiation, we want to direct you to our Surgery forums, where you'll find more information about the procedure and recovery after radiation.

    Hope this helps!

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2016

    I was diagnosed with IDC last summer (July 2015). Originally, the plan was lumpectomy + radiation + AI. However, after reviewing my family history, my BS wanted to get genetic testing, too. The initial testing came back clear for BRCA genes, so we proceeded with the lumpectomy. Unfortunately, some of the testing came back later positive for PALB2 and Chek2, both of which raise the risk of breast and colon cancers substantially. Had we known, I would have had a BMX. I ended up having chemo in Oct 2015. I'm scheduled for BMX Feb 2016 and sometime later this year I'll have an oophorectomy or hysterectomy. My MO says I will not need radiation, since I'll be having the breasts off. If I didn't opt for a BMX, then radiation would definitely be on the table, even though it would be 6 months from my initial diagnosis.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HeidiMSU
    HeidiMSU Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2016

    Thank you for the replies and for easing my mind a bit!My radiation oncologist said that radiation should ideally start by 12 weeks post-surgery, so I have about 5 weeks to work with. I've been told that testing/results could take weeks. I wish I would've known to do this earlier in this journey. Best of luck with your surgery next month - you've been through a lot already!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited January 2016

    http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20100329

    I recalled this article and it may provide you with information to discuss with your doctors.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HeidiMSU
    HeidiMSU Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2016

    Thank you.....the information in the article is really interesting. The results of the genetic testing are going to make a big difference in my treatment plan for sure.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories