Thoughts about radiation...

coral2015
coral2015 Member Posts: 30
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi everyone, couple of days ago I was told by my surgeon that my oncologist wanted me to have radiation. She doesn't agree since I has just 1 node affected and it was microscopic, but my oncologist believes that is necesary. Surgeon suggested to talk to other radiologis for a second/third opinion (they talked about my case with 2 radiologists) I have an appointment next week, but I was wondering about other people that might have been in the same situation.

p.s. I had a bilateral mastectomy a month ago, with no reconstruction. I am BRCA2 positive, Er/Pr positive Her negative. And taking tamoxifen.

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    I would get a second opinion

    I would get a second opinion for sure. I had a lumpectomy/ DCIS with surgery and radiation. Each case is different-but I wouldnt' listen to one or the other without a 2nd opinion.

     

    Best of luck

    Denise

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #3
    I was just wondering what

    I was just wondering what stage and kind of breast cancer you have (IDC, ILC, IBC, PAGET'S,  ETC).

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #4
    IDC stage IIIA :)

    IDC stage IIIA :)

  • LindenLea
    LindenLea Member Posts: 22
    #5
    How much radiation (how long)

    How much radiation (how long) is the doctor suggesting? I only had three weeks (5 X per week), and frankly, it was a piece of cake. I was in and out of there in 30 mins, on the table for 10 mins, and the radiation itself is on for about 90 seconds. Ask about the location of the focus of the radiation-- will they be able to avoid the lung as much as possible? Mine was on the left side, so the heart was a concern. Today's radiation is very precise. Get a second opinion, but read up on it yourself, too. Something being "microscopic" is hardly protection, as all cancers start out microscopic. 

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #6
    just checking back in , to

    just checking back in , to seeCool how things are going>

     

    Denise

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #7
    LindenLea said:

    How much radiation (how long)

    How much radiation (how long) is the doctor suggesting? I only had three weeks (5 X per week), and frankly, it was a piece of cake. I was in and out of there in 30 mins, on the table for 10 mins, and the radiation itself is on for about 90 seconds. Ask about the location of the focus of the radiation-- will they be able to avoid the lung as much as possible? Mine was on the left side, so the heart was a concern. Today's radiation is very precise. Get a second opinion, but read up on it yourself, too. Something being "microscopic" is hardly protection, as all cancers start out microscopic. 

    6 weeks

    They suggesting 6 weeks 5X per week. Only on the right side. Why 3 weeks, if I may ask? I read today about the benefits of shorter radiations, but I did after I talked to the Doctor, so I didnt have a chance to ask.

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #8
    disneyfan2008 said:

    just checking back in , to

    just checking back in , to seeCool how things are going>

     

    Denise

    Hi Denise

    Today I finally talked to the Doctor, and she, too, agrees with the other Doctors. She also consulted with 2 other radiologists and they all (5 different docs so far LOL) agrred. So radiation it is, tomorrow I am talking to my surgeon and oncologist to plan the best schedule for me. And I thought I was done with this Tongue Out But I'm not taking any chances so, radiation here I come Laughing

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #9
    coral2015 said:

    Hi Denise

    Today I finally talked to the Doctor, and she, too, agrees with the other Doctors. She also consulted with 2 other radiologists and they all (5 different docs so far LOL) agrred. So radiation it is, tomorrow I am talking to my surgeon and oncologist to plan the best schedule for me. And I thought I was done with this Tongue Out But I'm not taking any chances so, radiation here I come Laughing

    Good for you

    I think you made the right decision. Rads are not difficult and are life saving. I think we should do all we can in life, good luck and keep us updated with your progress, Anna

  • LindenLea
    LindenLea Member Posts: 22
    #10
    coral2015 said:

    6 weeks

    They suggesting 6 weeks 5X per week. Only on the right side. Why 3 weeks, if I may ask? I read today about the benefits of shorter radiations, but I did after I talked to the Doctor, so I didnt have a chance to ask.

    Re shorter radiation: Apparently it very much depends on the cancer. Mine was stage 1, <1.5 cm, 3 nodes-all negative. The onc said that with the shorter course, they give slightly more radiation at each session and the long term outcomes are the same as far as the disease is concerned. 

    Since you've has a double mastectomy, not sure where you fall into this. 

    By all means, ask if you are a candidate for the short course, and ask why or why not. 

    You've probably already seen these:

    http://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/news-releases/2015/shorter-radiation-early-breast-cancer.html

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297944.php

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #11
    LindenLea said:

    Re shorter radiation: Apparently it very much depends on the cancer. Mine was stage 1, <1.5 cm, 3 nodes-all negative. The onc said that with the shorter course, they give slightly more radiation at each session and the long term outcomes are the same as far as the disease is concerned. 

    Since you've has a double mastectomy, not sure where you fall into this. 

    By all means, ask if you are a candidate for the short course, and ask why or why not. 

    You've probably already seen these:

    http://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/news-releases/2015/shorter-radiation-early-breast-cancer.html

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297944.php

    Grade III, stage II

    My tumor was 2.8cm and one of my nodes (out of about 6) tested positive. Yes, i will call tomorrow and ask. Thank you for sharing your experience :)

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