Radiation on Both Breasts at Same Time?

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nem126
nem126 Member Posts: 109
edited January 2017 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi,

Has anyone had cancer in both breasts and gotten radiation on both at the same time?

I had surgery last week: a small 9mm invasive tumor removed on my left breast, node biopsy, and also got some tiny but suspicious microcalcifications surgically removed from my right breast at the same time.

So, we are still waiting on the results of the pathology, but I am worried about the microcalcs being cancerous as well, even though they'd be very early stage. It would just cause my mind to race a bit more, having cancer on both sides. I was really hoping to stick with the lumpectomies, but this would make me consider the BMX. I'm only 32 years old. BRCA negative though, which is a huge plus.

My surgeon said that they can radiate both breasts if the microcalcs also turn out to be cancer. So, she doesn't think it's a problem.

I am just wondering how common this is, and if I should worry about long term side effects with radiation in both breasts. Anyone else have a similar situation? Any advice? Thank you :)

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited January 2017

    Hi Nem,

    I was diagnosed with SBBC back in 2013. One we knew about the second was a surprise. See stats below. I had BMX and chemo. They debated on doing bilateral radiation but the tumor board at Dana Farber thought it was not necessary for me since I had good margins with the BMX. I am four years out tomorrow and doing well. Its a huge decision...go with your gut. Gully

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  • nem126
    nem126 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2017

    Thanks Gully! I still don't have the surgical path results, will get them Thursday. So, I guess we'll see from there. Going to be a tough decision.

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  • nem126
    nem126 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2017

    Good news! It's only in one breast so I don't have to cross this bridge :)

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2017

    Nem-glad to hear.

    Just in case anyone finds this thread in the future, I had a BMX & ended up having bilateral radiation to both chest walls & both axillas. Both sides of my chest became red & uncomfortable but my axillas didn't. I feared I'd be too tired to function. I went for a run 3-5 mile run after each RAD treatment. Staying active helped take my mind off my red, sore chest. Glad you don't have to cross the double radiation bridge but it was less problematic than I imagined. Probably not worse than the single sided bridge, not sure, bridge not taken.

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  • nem126
    nem126 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2017

    Thanks Coraleliz! That is good advice on staying active. I'm not sure if I'll need chemo yet, but if it's radiation only, I already have my sights on a sprint triathlon this in June that I want to start training for. I figure I'll be tired during radiation, but exercise always seems to help energy levels.

    It's amazing when you go through this crap how it puts everything into perspective. I will NEVER complain about running again :)

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