Radiation before mastectomy?

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stephincanada
stephincanada Member Posts: 228
edited November 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi all,

I had a lumpectomy in June, followed by chemo. My surgeon has recommended that I have radiation first, then a mastectomy (she doesn't think I need a mastectomy but I want one). I need radiation because the tumour was extremely close to my chest wall. It seems that most people have a mastectomy before radiation. I was wondering if anyone has had radiation followed by a mastectomy. How long do you have to wait to have the surgery post rads? Does this seem like a bad idea to anyone?

Thanks for your input!

Stekphanie

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited November 2016

    What is your chemo Dr and rads Dr saying? For your best outcome - it takes a team of your Drs for a comprehensive TX plan. Remember that Surgeons are specialized in 'cutting/surgery, Chemo Drs are specialized in dealing with Chemo, Rads Drs are specialized in radiation. They work together BUT have different specialities.

    If you are uncomfortable with what any are telling you - seek second (or more) opinions for other Drs in that speciality.


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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited November 2016

    Radiated tissue doesn't heal as well, so I myself would want a good rationale for doing it in this order (which might be about urgency of timing).

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2016

    I would definitely talk to a Medical Oncologist first. Radiation is usually the very last treatment along the road.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2016

    Your RO and your surgeon need to talk since radiated tissue may not heal well after surgery

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  • NancyHB
    NancyHB Member Posts: 1,512
    edited November 2016

    Radiated breast tissue doesn't always "recover" and can make future healing challenging. I had rads four years ago and a UMX this summer (local recurrence), and even with all this time in between, my PS wasn't certain how well my tissue would heal. It took longer than non-radiated tissue but I was lucky and have had good results. If you're considering any kind of reconstruction, you'll want to discuss your choice with a PS prior to rads and surgery, too.

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