Choosing to NOT do the "BOOSTS"

I too am a former smoker (been quit for good almost 10 years). I had 23 rads and 7 boosts four years ago on my left side. My cancer was located towards the midline of my chest and I used an active breathing machine to hold my breath at critical points. I was told that rads AND boosts both had the potential to hit my heart and lungs, and they were open with me that they'd do everything they could but yes, I'd still likely have some minimal damage. Until recently was running and doing yoga and hiking and having no problems breathing (im finishing my final chemo right now, in fact). A recent CT scan reveals a small area of radiation fibrosis; I wouldn't have otherwise known it was there, I have no symptoms.

i was recently diagnosed with a local recurrence that apparently survived previous chemo and radiation and boosts, and is now TN. I still have no regrets, though, about having done either. I was aware of the potential risks but felt I needed to do everything I could. This time I can't do radiation again so am having an mx in 5 weeks.

Good luck to you in your decision. Weigh the risks vs. potential rewards/long term survival. Ultimately, though, the decision is yours.

I just have to say that despite the name, the "boosts" in my case were less powerful, shorter, smaller area. It was explained to me as just a little extra right on the MX scar, which is where a local recurrence would be most likely to pop up, I guess. It did not cover my whole chest or penetrate right through the shoulder like the regular rads. My skin did not get any redder during the week of boosts, in fact it started healing. I certainly would not be afraid of that part. Don't let the name mislead you, it's actually the easiest part.

Ask you doctor for more specific information about the boosts. Mine were more intense but shallower as they were aimed just at the tumor bed (post-lumpectomy). They specifically said they would not penetrate as deeply as the whole breast rads, but would be more intensive over a smaller area. During boosts my skin turned red in the area right around my incision - I hadn’t had any redness prior - but it was no worse than a mild sunburn.

For what it’s worth, I am more than 3 years out and have had no lung/heart problems to this time (and for other reasons went through chest x-rays and cardiac testing a year ago).