Brachytherapy vs Whole Breast Radiation

NotVeryBrave
NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
edited March 2017 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

There's probably a topic already addressing this, but since things are always changing - I thought I'd ask!

I'm finishing neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the beginning of April and have had a really good response (can't feel the lump). I'm hoping to have a lumpectomy and I know that I will need radiation following that to get similar results to a mastectomy. I'm worried about the radiation, though. Specifically - I worry about collateral damage to my skin, lung, heart, ribs, and breast - as well as the slight risk for other cancers.

Brachytherapy seems to have similar results and less risks. True? My RO only mentioned whole breast radiation. I may have to find someone else if I want brachytherapy. What have your experiences been?

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited March 2017

    Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised about the order of your treatments. It seems like everyone has things done differently!

    Is there anyone who could speak to their experience of brachytherapy? Both while going through it and afterwards?

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited March 2017

    I've talked to the RO's office, the BS, and another RO that I went to for a second opinion. I'm not a candidate for brachytherapy due to the location of the cancer (too close to the skin). Basically, they need a margin of tissue all around the cavity that will be left after surgery. They explained that it is best for tumors that are centrally located in the breast.

    I'm also being considered as an unknown status on the lymph nodes until the SNB is done. Some axillary nodes were suspicious looking on US and MRI, but the one that was biopsied was negative. So for now I don't even know whether I will need the 21 radiation treatments to the whole breast or the longer (35) course including lymph nodes.

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