Radiation Treatment in Canada

Walden1
Walden1 Member Posts: 202
edited September 2018 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

My RO gave me the choice of 16 or 25 radiation treatments after my mastectomy without reconstruction. Later I learned that the use of 16 rather than 25 is common in Canada but not as common in other parts of the world. My RO says both are equally effective and have the same risks (except for cosmetic results of breast reconstruction, 25 is better for that). Curious if anyone out there has heard differently from their RO’s or in other studies. I’m not doing breast reconstruction so not concerned with cosmetic factor

P.S. it’s rare I know to do radiation after mastectomy when you are node 0, but I’m 44 with two 2 centimetres tumors so RO strongly recommends it despite the fact I’m in a grey area.

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Hi Walden,

    I am 54 and on my 9th radiation tmrw out of the 16. I heard about the Canadian Rad therapy and asked my RO if I can do it. I did not get an mastectomy, but my breast is holding out pretty well. Just a little browning near the nipple. I do not feel the burn nor itch, yet. I do put a lot of cream on and take care of it as much as I can.

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  • TheBreastlight
    TheBreastlight Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2018

    Hi Walden

    I think your Surgeon is advising good as per experience.Radiation will be better than reconstruction process.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2018

    I did the 20 regimen last time (16 plus four boosters)—I believe most American ROs are using the Canadian protocol as well. I’m sure that’s what I’ll get this time too. I thinkyou get the same total amount of radiation either way.

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited September 2018

    I did 16 +4 the first time. My RO was part of the team that did the study at McMaster. Was very confident of its effectiveness. A lot of Americans are now on the Canadian protocol. Will be doing 25+5 this time. Due to a larger field of radiation and a long course of chemo this time which makes skin more vulnerable. Also had skin breakdown last time. Same RO, just a different circumstance. If you have questions about a recommendation, just ask.

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