Radiation

momofbcb
momofbcb Member Posts: 22
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer in Nov. She is only 23 years old. We are still not sure what treatment is going to be. She had lumpectomy. 1.6cm lump. Doc feels he got it all. Then lymphecomy of 6 nodes. Non cancerous. We feel very lucky but they are still treating it with something. Won't know what until Tuesday. We have heard bad stories about radiation causing secondary cancers. What good then is the radiation. She will have to take tomoxefin either way.
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Comments

  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    Haven't heard much about that.
    I had 33 radiation treatments almost 2 years ago. I was told that kind of complication was rare but possible. Maybe someone else will respond with more info. My friend had radiation 17 years ago and is fine today.

    Roseann
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    roseann4 said:

    Haven't heard much about that.
    I had 33 radiation treatments almost 2 years ago. I was told that kind of complication was rare but possible. Maybe someone else will respond with more info. My friend had radiation 17 years ago and is fine today.

    Roseann

    I had about the same number
    I had about the same number as Roseann and I was scared of the risks too, but I had to decide which out weighed the other.
    It was explained to me that radiation would kill any lingering cells that might be too small to see, so I chose to do it.
    Best of luck in your daughters' decision, none of this is easy but in the end, we usually get the answer that is best for each of us as individuals.
    Fondly,
    Wanda
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    I
    had bilateral mastectomy and my surgeon didn't think I would need chemo or rads. He was wrong! I had 6 chemo treatments of Taxotere/Cytoxan which I just finished and I met with radiologist Friday and he is recommending 5 weeks of rads. My tumor was near my chest wall and pectoral muscle. We are all different and I plan on doing whatever is recommended. I feel I have to trust the dr that's treating me. Wishing you well with your decision.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    Important to understand that not all radiation is the same
    When you're reading stories about radiation's risks or side effects, please do be very careful that what's being talked about is radiation for breast cancer only.

    When I was starting radiation, I found that a lot of information out there is way too general, and includes radiation for types of cancer other than breast cancer. Radiation to the breasts, of course, does not affect major organs anywhere near as much as radiation for cancer in other parts of the body, and so has very different side effects -- in my own opinion, much less frightening side effects.

    I don't personally know anything about the specific risks of secondary cancers after radiation to the breasts -- I just wanted to caution you to make sure that what you're reading is specific to breast cancer, because I found that confusing myself when I was starting out.

    Traci
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    Always write down you
    Always write down you questions as soon as you think of them so that you can ask the Dr. when you get there. Your Radiation Oncologist is the best person to answer the question about your Daughter's risk factors. Each person's situation is different. However, I think modern technology and techniques minimize the risk much more than in the past. You could probably find information online througth the American Cancer Society Website, or by looking on the website of some reputable medical facilities, such as M. D. Anderson, or the Susan G. Coman (spelling?) website.

    Take care, seof
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    Thanks everyone for your
    Thanks everyone for your comments.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    TraciInLA said:

    Important to understand that not all radiation is the same
    When you're reading stories about radiation's risks or side effects, please do be very careful that what's being talked about is radiation for breast cancer only.

    When I was starting radiation, I found that a lot of information out there is way too general, and includes radiation for types of cancer other than breast cancer. Radiation to the breasts, of course, does not affect major organs anywhere near as much as radiation for cancer in other parts of the body, and so has very different side effects -- in my own opinion, much less frightening side effects.

    I don't personally know anything about the specific risks of secondary cancers after radiation to the breasts -- I just wanted to caution you to make sure that what you're reading is specific to breast cancer, because I found that confusing myself when I was starting out.

    Traci

    Radiation kills any stray
    Radiation kills any stray cancer cells left behind from surgery, and, that is good. I don't know anyone that has a secondary cancer as a result of rads to their breast, and, I really have never heard anything about it either.


    Leeza
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    very little side effects
    I wish your daughter luck...I was very lucky with my treatments...no burning, dry skin, no fatigue, no pain or discomfort-just like any other day..and I am on taxmofin and very little issues with that as well..Keep us updated...
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    14 year survivor here
    I was 36 at time with aggressive form. I had mastectomy and 6 chemo treamtent which intailed 5 drugs in one sitting. In Canada I did chemo every 3 weeks then radiation 5 days a week and half the treamtents that my Southern Sisters are going through.
    I didn't write this to scare you and knowledge was power for me. I was different than your daughter because I had 11 out of 21 positive nodes so my cancer had already spread.
    Your daughter is extremely lucky to have been caught at an early stage. I was stage 3 but here I am today and I did every treatment possible even if only would give me a few more percentage points for survival. I decided if I was doing anything I was doing it all and radiation wasn't necessary but it did raise my survivor rate by about 10%
    I will say this as well, this disease seems to be the hardest on those around us and our parents definitely carry much pain. Your daughter is very fortunate to have such support because that alone will carry her far. Love makes all difference in the world...
    Tara who turned 50 this year
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    cahjah75 said:

    I
    had bilateral mastectomy and my surgeon didn't think I would need chemo or rads. He was wrong! I had 6 chemo treatments of Taxotere/Cytoxan which I just finished and I met with radiologist Friday and he is recommending 5 weeks of rads. My tumor was near my chest wall and pectoral muscle. We are all different and I plan on doing whatever is recommended. I feel I have to trust the dr that's treating me. Wishing you well with your decision.
    {{hugs}} Char

    Just wishing your daughter
    Just wishing your daughter good luck with whatever treatment she has. Rads are very doable and I felt confident in my oncologist and my rads oncologist's opinion that I needed them to kill any cancer cells left behind. I have never regretted my decision to have rads.
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    24242 said:

    14 year survivor here
    I was 36 at time with aggressive form. I had mastectomy and 6 chemo treamtent which intailed 5 drugs in one sitting. In Canada I did chemo every 3 weeks then radiation 5 days a week and half the treamtents that my Southern Sisters are going through.
    I didn't write this to scare you and knowledge was power for me. I was different than your daughter because I had 11 out of 21 positive nodes so my cancer had already spread.
    Your daughter is extremely lucky to have been caught at an early stage. I was stage 3 but here I am today and I did every treatment possible even if only would give me a few more percentage points for survival. I decided if I was doing anything I was doing it all and radiation wasn't necessary but it did raise my survivor rate by about 10%
    I will say this as well, this disease seems to be the hardest on those around us and our parents definitely carry much pain. Your daughter is very fortunate to have such support because that alone will carry her far. Love makes all difference in the world...
    Tara who turned 50 this year

    Don't worry about scaring
    Don't worry about scaring me. I know that we are lucky. I hope that your cancer is gone. You didn't say if you are cancer free or not. I really hope so and will pray for you. I have read so much that I am sick of hearing about it but I can't stop myself. She is the youngest of 4 daughters. Her experience has sent the others to the doctors even though the brca was negative. So far one is negative. Another having biopsy tomorrow and the oldest is putting off going to doctors. We were told we would know what treatment today but the doctor is on vacation and will be back tomorrow. She has been so stressed. She is taking xanex to keep her self together but just comes home from work and goes to bed. Between me, my mom and her sisters, she has a lot of love and support. She is the baby and her big sisters are taking care of her.
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    momofbcb said:

    Don't worry about scaring
    Don't worry about scaring me. I know that we are lucky. I hope that your cancer is gone. You didn't say if you are cancer free or not. I really hope so and will pray for you. I have read so much that I am sick of hearing about it but I can't stop myself. She is the youngest of 4 daughters. Her experience has sent the others to the doctors even though the brca was negative. So far one is negative. Another having biopsy tomorrow and the oldest is putting off going to doctors. We were told we would know what treatment today but the doctor is on vacation and will be back tomorrow. She has been so stressed. She is taking xanex to keep her self together but just comes home from work and goes to bed. Between me, my mom and her sisters, she has a lot of love and support. She is the baby and her big sisters are taking care of her.

    24242. I read your profile.
    24242. I read your profile. I am so sorry to hear about the second lump. I will definately keep you in my prayers.
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22

    very little side effects
    I wish your daughter luck...I was very lucky with my treatments...no burning, dry skin, no fatigue, no pain or discomfort-just like any other day..and I am on taxmofin and very little issues with that as well..Keep us updated...

    disneyfan. I am glad to
    disneyfan. I am glad to hear you had no problems with radiation. The tamoxifen scares me and it scares her. She is only 23 and was planing to get married and start a family. She was told to put babies off for 5 years after radiation because of the tamoxifen. She was more upset about that than the fear of chemo, which we are not sure she will need. She doesn't want to hear that she is young and has time. She is mad.
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    cahjah75 said:

    I
    had bilateral mastectomy and my surgeon didn't think I would need chemo or rads. He was wrong! I had 6 chemo treatments of Taxotere/Cytoxan which I just finished and I met with radiologist Friday and he is recommending 5 weeks of rads. My tumor was near my chest wall and pectoral muscle. We are all different and I plan on doing whatever is recommended. I feel I have to trust the dr that's treating me. Wishing you well with your decision.
    {{hugs}} Char

    Thanks for the well wishes.
    Thanks for the well wishes. There is no dicision. She will do what the doctor recommends. Its either radiation and tomoxifin or chemo, rad, and tomoxifin. We will know tomorrow. My guess is he will recommend radiation and tomoxifin. Wishing you the best.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    24242 said:

    14 year survivor here
    I was 36 at time with aggressive form. I had mastectomy and 6 chemo treamtent which intailed 5 drugs in one sitting. In Canada I did chemo every 3 weeks then radiation 5 days a week and half the treamtents that my Southern Sisters are going through.
    I didn't write this to scare you and knowledge was power for me. I was different than your daughter because I had 11 out of 21 positive nodes so my cancer had already spread.
    Your daughter is extremely lucky to have been caught at an early stage. I was stage 3 but here I am today and I did every treatment possible even if only would give me a few more percentage points for survival. I decided if I was doing anything I was doing it all and radiation wasn't necessary but it did raise my survivor rate by about 10%
    I will say this as well, this disease seems to be the hardest on those around us and our parents definitely carry much pain. Your daughter is very fortunate to have such support because that alone will carry her far. Love makes all difference in the world...
    Tara who turned 50 this year

    Sending positive thoughts
    Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you too 24242!


    Hugs, Megan
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    Thank you all for your
    Thank you all for your responses. We just found out today that she will not need chemo. Radiation and tamoxifen will be all she needs. I still worry about the radiation. We will talk to the oncologist about our fears. We need to find new oncologist. The one we have has a very bad bedside manner. Had her results on his desk for 2 days but would not call us. We didn't like him the first time we met him and today he sealed his fate. He doesn't seem to care about his patients feelings.

    But at least we know now that she doesn't need chemo. But she is so depressed tonight. She should be happy but she is not. I don't know if its the release of tension or what. Don't know how to make her feel better.
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    momofbcb said:

    Thank you all for your
    Thank you all for your responses. We just found out today that she will not need chemo. Radiation and tamoxifen will be all she needs. I still worry about the radiation. We will talk to the oncologist about our fears. We need to find new oncologist. The one we have has a very bad bedside manner. Had her results on his desk for 2 days but would not call us. We didn't like him the first time we met him and today he sealed his fate. He doesn't seem to care about his patients feelings.

    But at least we know now that she doesn't need chemo. But she is so depressed tonight. She should be happy but she is not. I don't know if its the release of tension or what. Don't know how to make her feel better.

    Sometimes we use words that
    Sometimes we use words that sound comforting but are not. Usually it is just that we are using the wrong word for the moment. Your daughter and you too of course are dealing with a disease that is scary just by saying the words aloud. She is young and at an age when life should be spreading out before her with wonder, love and all the wonderous things that she has been dreaming about should be coming to the forefront. Instead she has received a diagnosis of breast cancer. A disease that most think will only affect "older" women. She is seeing doctors, having tests, wondering about her future, if she will have a future. Quite a plateful for anyone. The upside is that she doesn't have to do chemo. A big relief for sure. But in your post you used the phrase "she should be happy". There is where the words can become something I am sure you didn't intent. If you have used that phrase and in your relief you may have, perhaps she is just not feeling happy yet. She should be feeling relieved that chemo is off her plate, but happy. That's not going to happen for awhile, maybe a long while. This disease is mental as well as physical and sometimes the mental aspects are the toughest. You sound super supportive but let her know that it is okay to be angry, unhappy, scared and everything else. Hug her and tell her you will stand by her and support her and be the strong mom that I can see you are. You probably won't be able to make her feel truly better for awhile but you can let her know that it will eventually get better. I hope that you take this in the vein it is given. To let you know that sometimes the things that are said are misunderstood by us. Mostly you can just continue to love her just like you do now. My prayers are that with your strength she will get through all of this. It will take her time to get through this journey and my hopes are that she is back to her dreams in the shortest time possible.
    Stef
  • momofbcb
    momofbcb Member Posts: 22
    fauxma said:

    Sometimes we use words that
    Sometimes we use words that sound comforting but are not. Usually it is just that we are using the wrong word for the moment. Your daughter and you too of course are dealing with a disease that is scary just by saying the words aloud. She is young and at an age when life should be spreading out before her with wonder, love and all the wonderous things that she has been dreaming about should be coming to the forefront. Instead she has received a diagnosis of breast cancer. A disease that most think will only affect "older" women. She is seeing doctors, having tests, wondering about her future, if she will have a future. Quite a plateful for anyone. The upside is that she doesn't have to do chemo. A big relief for sure. But in your post you used the phrase "she should be happy". There is where the words can become something I am sure you didn't intent. If you have used that phrase and in your relief you may have, perhaps she is just not feeling happy yet. She should be feeling relieved that chemo is off her plate, but happy. That's not going to happen for awhile, maybe a long while. This disease is mental as well as physical and sometimes the mental aspects are the toughest. You sound super supportive but let her know that it is okay to be angry, unhappy, scared and everything else. Hug her and tell her you will stand by her and support her and be the strong mom that I can see you are. You probably won't be able to make her feel truly better for awhile but you can let her know that it will eventually get better. I hope that you take this in the vein it is given. To let you know that sometimes the things that are said are misunderstood by us. Mostly you can just continue to love her just like you do now. My prayers are that with your strength she will get through all of this. It will take her time to get through this journey and my hopes are that she is back to her dreams in the shortest time possible.
    Stef

    Thanks Stef
    Thanks Stef. Thats why I posted here. To help me help her. I just feel so bad that she is sad. She goes to work and then goes home and goes to bed. She was suppose to move this weekend but has not packed. I offered help but every time I can go, she has something else to do or doesn't want to talk about it. When she was first diagnosed, the rest of us were devistated. She wasn't. She joking about it. Called her self bcb for breast cancer ****. No one could figure out why she wasn't a mess like the rest of us. Now we know her prognosis is great and she doesn't have to go through chemo. The rest of us were so happy, but she took to her bed. She started taking Xanex. I do understand the xanex. I just wish she could be happy again. I do understand, just sad for her. Not cause of the cancer but cause she is sad. She is college grad who hasn't found her dream job and now its on hold and she is in love and wants to find a great job, get married and have kids. Now she can't have kids for 5 years and I think that is what is upsetting her. Plus I am sure having scars on her once perfect body is also upsetting. I will be more patient with her and just lend her an ear and a shoulder.

    Thanks again for your input.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    momofbcb said:

    Thanks Stef
    Thanks Stef. Thats why I posted here. To help me help her. I just feel so bad that she is sad. She goes to work and then goes home and goes to bed. She was suppose to move this weekend but has not packed. I offered help but every time I can go, she has something else to do or doesn't want to talk about it. When she was first diagnosed, the rest of us were devistated. She wasn't. She joking about it. Called her self bcb for breast cancer ****. No one could figure out why she wasn't a mess like the rest of us. Now we know her prognosis is great and she doesn't have to go through chemo. The rest of us were so happy, but she took to her bed. She started taking Xanex. I do understand the xanex. I just wish she could be happy again. I do understand, just sad for her. Not cause of the cancer but cause she is sad. She is college grad who hasn't found her dream job and now its on hold and she is in love and wants to find a great job, get married and have kids. Now she can't have kids for 5 years and I think that is what is upsetting her. Plus I am sure having scars on her once perfect body is also upsetting. I will be more patient with her and just lend her an ear and a shoulder.

    Thanks again for your input.

    It just takes time momofbcb
    It just takes time momofbcb for any of us to come to terms with our diagnosis, treatments and how our bodies are changed. Just be patient, support her and love her. That's all she really needs from you.


    Hugs and prayers,

    Megan
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    momofbcb said:

    Thanks Stef
    Thanks Stef. Thats why I posted here. To help me help her. I just feel so bad that she is sad. She goes to work and then goes home and goes to bed. She was suppose to move this weekend but has not packed. I offered help but every time I can go, she has something else to do or doesn't want to talk about it. When she was first diagnosed, the rest of us were devistated. She wasn't. She joking about it. Called her self bcb for breast cancer ****. No one could figure out why she wasn't a mess like the rest of us. Now we know her prognosis is great and she doesn't have to go through chemo. The rest of us were so happy, but she took to her bed. She started taking Xanex. I do understand the xanex. I just wish she could be happy again. I do understand, just sad for her. Not cause of the cancer but cause she is sad. She is college grad who hasn't found her dream job and now its on hold and she is in love and wants to find a great job, get married and have kids. Now she can't have kids for 5 years and I think that is what is upsetting her. Plus I am sure having scars on her once perfect body is also upsetting. I will be more patient with her and just lend her an ear and a shoulder.

    Thanks again for your input.

    I think you are doing great.
    I think you are doing great. The worst thing in the world for me is when something is wrong with my family. I hate standing by and feeling helpless. If this was my Denise I would be a basketcase. It's good she is taking xanax and it is not unusual for her to be feeling so down. She has a lot to absorb and it will take her time to realize that she can still have all the things she has been dreaming about. I worry about my daughter because I carry a gene that increases my chances of colon, stomach and several other cancers, some of which I have already had and she may carry this gene also. She needs to get tested but between having no insurance and denial it's not happening. I have taken a step back and am letting her deal with it in her own way. She will do it when she is ready. Does your daughter have any close friends that she can use for support? You might also tell her that we are here for her and that there is a young survivors group on here as well.
    And you keep coming here and let us know how it is going and how you are doing. Cancer affects everyone in a family and there will be times when you need to vent and share as well. You have the right idea in being patient and being there to lend her an ear and shoulder. You're a great mom who shouldn't have to be going through this either. Prayers for you both.
    Stef