mammosite radiation for DCIS

I have recently had two surgeries in my right breast for DCIS. The pathology report following the first surgery modified the original biopsy report to "high grade comedo and cribriform type with calcifications."  I have dense breast tissue. While I initially balked at the idea of radiation, even brachytherapy, I am now wondering if I should consider the targeted radiation. I am currently waiting for the results of the Oncotype DX test, which will give me a rating based on my personal biology, whether or the not the cancer cells are likely to return. Has anyone else had experience with this test or been in a similar situation trying to make a decision on whether or not to have targeted radiation? I would like to hear your experience if possible, please. I want to make the best decision possible about radiation treatment.  Either way I have five years of medication ahead of me. I also have a suspicious finding in my left breast and have been told I need to get another MRI mammogram in July. I was diagnosed in December. Thank you.

LisaAlissa, I said I was having targeted radiation after my lumpectomy, which will be March 22nd. I'm not sure if that's the right term. I will be having a variation of the Mammosite radiation. The Contura balloon will fill in the irregular shape of the cavity of a tubular carcinoma..It will be 5 days, 2x per day of "seeds" being inserted into the balloon, for a few minutes, and then removed, Assuming nodes are negative and margins are clear, that's what I'll be doing 5 days after my lumpectomy. Are you happy with your decision to do the Mammosite route?

Hi 2ndGen and LisaAlissa, My RO apt is on Monday morning.. I know my Surgeon said the Mammosite was NOT the best delivery method for me, because of the elongated shape of the tumor. The nurse told me that they would probably do the Contura one, which apparently takes the shape of my type of tumor better,,,,tubular, with spiculates (pointy things) in its borders. The Contura has a vacuum aspect to it that helps it get into irregular shaped cavities, I guess. The SAVI might be another option. The nurse I talked to, when I called with questions, said there was a possibility of two types they would use for me, but we got sidetracked after talking about the Contura. She said definitely not Mammosite though, for me. So I'll find out Monday. Like you, I have so many questions, fears and I keep second guessing myself. I too wonder about the option of no rads, because I'm scared of the whole idea. I do think, that for me, I need a little extra security of treating the local area, the area most likely for recurrence. I feel like WBI with such a small cancer is like throwing the baby out with the bath water, but some wise person on this forum reminded me that, at the end of the day, we hedge our bets with the best knowledge and understanding we can, but it's still all a craps shoot. I guess WBI for 6 weeks frightens me more....left breast, heart, etc. Also, I have read everything I can find about this internal radiation, and the stats look good as far back as they go for BC treatment. I did learn that types of brachytherapy have been used for prostate cancer since 1917 (I think that's the year) and prostate cancer has the best stats out there regarding mortality and survival. Not sure if you can find it online, but I just got the AARP Bulletin (yes, I am old enough to be an AARP member! in the mail yesterday, and the Headline was "The New War On Cancer" and there are a number of interesting articles on cancer in it. Anyway, keep me posted on your decision, and I will do the same...I'll know more Monday. Good luck to all!

Dear 2ndGenBCA.

I'm glad that you're happy with your decision to do the SAVI. I had my lumpectomy last Tuesday, the 21st. Negative on the sentinel node so that's good. I'll find out tomorrow about the margins.

I have my appointment tomorrow morning with the surgeon to put in the balloon (Contura, I think) and then to the radiologist to have a cat scan. I'll begin the 5 day 2x per day apbi on Monday. Next Friday they will take out the balloon and catheters. I imagine it will hurt, but it is what it is. I'll be happy to be finished with all of that stuff so quickly. #3 days would be even better....good for you! Yes. we are lucky to be candidates for this type of radiation. Thank God for small favors, right?

Anyway, keep feeling better, let me know how you're doing,and I'll keep you posted on my progress. Is your MO recommending Hormone therapy?

Hi Everybody! I am a 4 day survivor! I haven't posted for awhile, because my tumor type and choices have been a little different from most of the folks on this forum. At any rate, here goes. I had my lumpectomy 2 weeks ago today, (Mar 22). At that time, my BS put a spacer in the tumor cavity, in preparation for Brachytherapy. 3 days later, on Friday, after finding my margins were clear and my node was negative, (yay!) my BS put in a brachytherapy device: SAVI. The following Monday, last week, I began internal rads which lasted 5 days, 2x per day. I finished that treatment last Friday, April fools Day! They took the device out, and sent me on my merry way. As far as the experience, I felt it was a little rough, and there were days I felt it kicked my butt! My fatigue was overwhelming, but I realize that my emotional state could have played a part in that. Aside from that, I felt the device inside of my breast, and it did border between hurting , and just general pressure. I talked to others who were on the same timeline and treatment who were having an easier time than I was, I learned that the placement of my SAVI device was in an awkward position, which had to do with the location and whatever about my tumor, so maybe that's the reason I had a harder time. That being said, I am on the other side of it, and I got all the rads done in 5 days! I have no external burns and I am getting back into the groove of things. At this point, I just have a gauze bandage on the wound from the SAVI device, and I can stop that as soon as my minimal draining stops. My most troubling surgical effect is where they took out the sentinel node. It's still very tender and hurts quite a bit, at times....the surgery was only 2 weeks ago, so I realize that the node areas take a bit longer to heal. I have my first MO appointment this Friday. I don't know what he'll recommend, but it may be Hormone therapy. I have read different articles on the protocol of adjuvant treatment for my diagnosis and results, so we'll see. I know there are not many on this forum who have done the APBI (Brachytherapy) thing, but I thought I'd post it here. If anyone has the opportunity to do this type of rad, while I am not an expert, I would be happy to share my personal experience with you. All in all, even though it was not the easiest week, I would do it again, in a heartbeat. I feel fortunate that I was a candidate for this type of internal radiation, and if it is suggested to any of you reading this, feel free to email me, or ask me on this site. I will share this post on the Brachytherapy topic as well.

Finally, to all of us, let's continue healing, stay strong and stay positive!