mammosite radiation

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jkw
jkw Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am interested in hearng from anyone who has had mammosite. I am having the mammosite catheter put in on June 24, with the expectation of beginning treatment on June 29. I am new this forum....had lumpectomy and sentinel node removed on June 3.
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  • jk1952
    jk1952 Member Posts: 613
    #2
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    Hi and Welcome

    Welcome to this group, although we're all sorry for reason that you have to be a part of it. I think that you'll find that everyone is very supportive and willing to share their experiences and whatever they know with you.

    From the other posts that I've read, I think that most people have had the radiation that's done weekdays for 6 - 8 weeks, so you may not have too many responses to your particular question.

    I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2000. Two years ago, my doctor suggested that mammosite radiation might be a possibility when it appeared that I may have a problem with my 'good' breast. That ended up being nothing, so I didn't need to pursued it.

    I think that you'll be on the leading edge, and that's not a bad place to be. In 2000, I was on the leading edge with a core biopsy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, and now they are the standard of care. Your experience with this procedure will impact and help others.

    Joyce
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #3
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    jk1952 said:

    Hi and Welcome

    Welcome to this group, although we're all sorry for reason that you have to be a part of it. I think that you'll find that everyone is very supportive and willing to share their experiences and whatever they know with you.

    From the other posts that I've read, I think that most people have had the radiation that's done weekdays for 6 - 8 weeks, so you may not have too many responses to your particular question.

    I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2000. Two years ago, my doctor suggested that mammosite radiation might be a possibility when it appeared that I may have a problem with my 'good' breast. That ended up being nothing, so I didn't need to pursued it.

    I think that you'll be on the leading edge, and that's not a bad place to be. In 2000, I was on the leading edge with a core biopsy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, and now they are the standard of care. Your experience with this procedure will impact and help others.

    Joyce

    No, I am having the
    No, I am having the "regular" rads. I have read about this, but, don't think, personally, I would trust it. I would just as soon have the "normal" amount of rads and have my mind feel free that I killed all of the stray cancer cells. With the mammosite, I think, personally, I would always wonder, was that enough? I wish you good luck! I just feel it is still unproven.
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #4
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    jkw
    welcome, and sorry, I had regular rads, but I am sure someone will post soon who has had the mammosite catheter. I never heard of it.
    Good luck and keep us posted.
    =^..^=
  • jakeca
    jakeca Member Posts: 92
    #5
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    I tried
    In October, I had a lumpectomy. My surgeon thought I might be a good candidate for mammosite radiation therapy so she did an ultrasound to check the size of the cavity that was left from the lumpectomy. The conclusion was "yes." So I was scheduled for the "balloon" to be inserted. Got to the hospital and prepped to the point that the anesthesiologist was poised, ready to put me in a happy place, when the surgeon came flying in and said, "Wait! I want to double check the size of that cavity!" So again, I had an ultrasound and this time they determined that the cavity was too large. So out came the needles, off went the hospital gown and home I went, quite disappointed. At least they discovered it before they "carved" on my breast again!

    All I am saying is, never count on anything until it is a done deal. I hope it works for you. I think it would be a great way to receive radiation--from the inside out.
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #6
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    Welcome, jkw
    We're all here to support and encourage each other - so, warm welcome to you.

    Very soon, I'll hit my six year anniversary for original diagnosis. Had "standard" rads - mammosite was just beginning to be offered at the cancer center where I received my treatment right around when I was nearly done. (I remember the brochures popping up in the reception area.)

    Best wishes to you - hope it goes well.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • BCdone
    BCdone Member Posts: 8
    #7
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    Mammosite
    I had a mammosite back in October 2007. Everything went really well - no problems. Since I am a teacher, I was able to go have the treatment in the morning before class and then again in the afternoon for five days. The only tough part is having the port removed but it wasn't as bad as I thought and it only takes a few seconds. They will check you each time to make certain nothing has moved. I have fairly large breasts (D cup) and that seems to help.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #8
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    Alexis F said:

    No, I am having the
    No, I am having the "regular" rads. I have read about this, but, don't think, personally, I would trust it. I would just as soon have the "normal" amount of rads and have my mind feel free that I killed all of the stray cancer cells. With the mammosite, I think, personally, I would always wonder, was that enough? I wish you good luck! I just feel it is still unproven.

    Radiation dose
    I had the impression that the ultimate dose was the same, but the method of delivery and time period were different? I don't know too much about this procedure, but just wanted to put this out there as something to check out when researching. Let us know.

    Mimi
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #9
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    Hi Jkw
    I was offered the mammosite, but, felt it was still too untested and undocumented for long term results to chance it. So, I had 37 rad treatments in all. 25 regular and 12 boosters. Just glad they are done! Good luck JKW!
  • rosieAZ
    rosieAZ Member Posts: 3
    #10
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    mammosite
    Dear JKW, please check out the voices of mammosite website (www.voicesofmammosite.com). I'm Rosie from Arizona and I'd be glad to talk with you. The treatment is painless. I'm 3 years clear and I'd recommend it to anyone. Email me on the site and I'll answer any questions you might have. Check out my story and see if we have similar situations. Regardless, I'm glad to "talk". If you don't care to go to the sight...best of luck to you. I think you're doing the best you can do for yourself at this point in time. Just keep fighting! Rosie
  • bestcioci
    bestcioci Member Posts: 1
    #11
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    Mammosite
    Ask your doctor if he/she has done the procedure before. Fortunately, my experience was textbook. The doctor had prepared the cavity during my lumpectomy. My tumor was very small, detected early and I had no evidence of cancer in my lymph nodes. Communication between the radiation specialist and surgeon was thorough and the one glitch was in sending me to the radiation specialist with the test catheter. Don't let your doctor place it without a local. Being full figured, there was plenty of tissue to support the catheter. I wish you all the best. My surgery was on Oct 31 and on Nov 26th I had my last treatment. It all went by so fast and efficiently. I hope you are blessed with the same professionalism and respect that my doctors and technicians have. Go to the mammosite website for other encouraging testimonials. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Ellen
  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #12
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    Not a candidate, but...
    I was not a candidate for mammosite although they did the ultrasound to see if I could do it. Unfortunately, my tumor had been too close to the surface and there wasn't enough tissue surrounding the entire area. However, my sister-in-law had the mammosite, five years ago. She said it was GREAT. After insertion, she went 2 times a day for 5 days. That was it! I sure wish I could have had it. She did not suffer any harsh burning and it's been 5 1/2 years since she was treated. She's doing so well. Hope this helps. Hugs, Marilynn
  • donnie17
    donnie17 Member Posts: 1
    #13
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    mammosite
    Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I had the mammosite done 5 years ago and was very pleased with it in comparison with those that had the regular radiation. I was the 6th person in this area to receive it. I had it done at the cancer center in Baltimore. The doctors and all the staff were wonderful. If you have any questions I will be glad to help. Betty
  • ar82566
    ar82566 Member Posts: 1
    #14
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    Mammosite
    Hello, I had Mammosite done on June 9 2008 and all radiations were done by June 18 2008, no side effects and the doctors and staff were great.
    Please go to the Voices of Mammosite website for more testimonials.
    If you have any questions I will be glad to help.
    My name is Anna Russell from North Carolina.
    Best wishes, God Bless.
  • meldow88
    meldow88 Member Posts: 1
    #15
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    MammoSite done in Feb 09
    Hi!
    I, too, am one of the lucky women who has benefited from MammoSite radiation treatments. My story is on the MammoSite.com Voices of MammoSite website. Please feel free to find me. Look under the Florida tab and I'm Melissa, an Office Manager.
    The procedure was uncomfortable because of the balloon & catheter but I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I could to avoid several weeks of radiation. The removal was far easier than I anticipated. I asked for a shot of local anesthetic at the site, which they gave me. The slight numbing helped and there was no pain. The healing went very well also. I did, however, have a "delayed reaction" on the surface of the skin at the site nine weeks post radiation. It was strange, but my radiation oncologist said that sometimes happens. The radiation, although internal, is powerful. It made complete sense to me that it would work its way to the skin's surface sooner or later. He prescribed an ointment to apply twice daily and within a week the skin was pretty much back to normal.
    I just had my 6 mo follow up mammogram and it was all clear. I expect that same report going forward.
    Best of luck to you. Please feel free to e-mail me as well.
  • Jude B
    Jude B Member Posts: 1
    #16
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    Mammosite
    Hi jkw
    I had the mammosite radiation 1 year and 4 months ago. I would recommend it for everyone who is a candidate. I was able to work every day and only got a little tired the second day of treatment. I had no discomfort while the catheter was in place.
  • bertnbear
    bertnbear Member Posts: 1
    #17
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    mammosite radiation
    I had mammosite 7/2006 and it was wonderful and saved my energy for the chemo that I had to have afterwards. The sooner you get it done the better in terms of the catheter being able to fit into the cavity created by your surgery. There's a little discomfort putting it in and taking it out but you don't feel anything during the radiation treatment. I was able to wear my regular bras to hold the catheter in place. You can find my story on www.voicesofmammosite (I'm Gayle from GA). Best of luck with your treatments...I'm happy to talk with you anytime.
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #18
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    bertnbear said:

    mammosite radiation
    I had mammosite 7/2006 and it was wonderful and saved my energy for the chemo that I had to have afterwards. The sooner you get it done the better in terms of the catheter being able to fit into the cavity created by your surgery. There's a little discomfort putting it in and taking it out but you don't feel anything during the radiation treatment. I was able to wear my regular bras to hold the catheter in place. You can find my story on www.voicesofmammosite (I'm Gayle from GA). Best of luck with your treatments...I'm happy to talk with you anytime.

    Hi, We had our surgery on
    Hi, We had our surgery on the same day June 3.I was planning on mammosite radiation, but there was not enough room and it turns out after path report that I could not have that because I had nodes involved. I was told its a good form of treatment and you only have to go like 5 days twice a day and your done.Best of Luck
  • carolboca
    carolboca Member Posts: 1
    #19
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    Good Luck! I've been there....
    Just 5 days...10 treatments....before you know it...you'l be looking back...

    my treatments were just `10 minures each...2 songs long on an Ipod....

    just count each day...8 to go...6 to go...before you know it... the 5 days

    are over....the procedure? I believe I was given somewthing to relax...

    It's 2 and a half years and I'm AOK!!!...we are so fortunate to be candidates

    for this amazing treatment.......Try to relax...have cheery friends accompany you....

    do something inbetween.....before you know it....you'll be telling others...

    You are so lucky to have just 5 days...rather than 5 weeks...I'l be thinking of you...It really wasn't bad...at all........

    Carol
  • Maggie Rose
    Maggie Rose Member Posts: 5
    #20
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    MammoSite 5 Day Targeted Radiation Therapy
    MammoSite is the WAY TO GO if you fit the parameters! I had my lumpectomy done 2 yrs ago May, started MammoSite treatment the week following surgery. I had a "hiccup" after the 1st treatment on the 1st day; I developed too large of air pockets and had to have a bigger balloon placed. Went to the surgeons office to have that done and continued with treatment the following day. Because treatment started on a Wed, had the weekend off and finished the next week. When they replaced the balloon and took the balloon out after my final treatment, I had no problems with pain. I did experience "some" discomfort with the larger balloon, but not so bad that I was "terribly miserable". It sure beat having the radiation most women have (or had to have prior to MammoSite)...going 6-8 weeks or whatever. No side effects like with the external radiation. Noticed someone else from Voices of MammoSite has also posted and recommended: voicesofmammosite.com. Strongly suggest you go there and read the stories from ladies all over the country. Would certainly go for MammoSite treatment again (but hope I never have to!). Please keep us posted on what you decide to do. You can maintain your normal life much easier with the MammoSite than with the external... 2 treatments a day for 5 days and ALL DONE ... worked for me!
  • jkw
    jkw Member Posts: 5
    #21
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    BCdone said:

    Mammosite
    I had a mammosite back in October 2007. Everything went really well - no problems. Since I am a teacher, I was able to go have the treatment in the morning before class and then again in the afternoon for five days. The only tough part is having the port removed but it wasn't as bad as I thought and it only takes a few seconds. They will check you each time to make certain nothing has moved. I have fairly large breasts (D cup) and that seems to help.

    Thanks so much for your
    Thanks so much for your comments. It was great to hear that you worked thru the treatment...going before and after class. I have a full time job and have only lost a few days thru this so far. I had done a fair amount of research so I understood the medical issues; it was the personal experience that I was interested in. And your comments have been so encouraging. Thanks so much

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