Connect
← Return to How To Decide Next Steps After Lumpectomy.
Discussion
How To Decide Next Steps After Lumpectomy.
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 26, 2021 | Replies (60)Comment receiving replies
I had radiation and it was very personalized. They made a mold of my body and positioning for treatment, they tattooed my person with little dots that guided the set up every day. I met with the doctor one day every week unless I needed her sooner. Then at the end they had a set number of intensely focused treatments. The fact that I needed it and why was also an individualized decision. I do agree that a lot of lumpectomy patients are prescribed radiation. This is definitely a way to create less misery than most chemo regimens, and still increase chances of never getting it again.
You certainly have a unique situation going on. I am sorry, it probably feels like you won the breast cancer lottery. If I trusted my doctor, I would get the consult, if I wasn’t sure, I would get a second opinion.
Remember a consult doesn’t mean you have to accept the recommendation right off. What long term effects of radiation are you concerned about?
Replies to "I had radiation and it was very personalized. They made a mold of my body and..."
Chris - my radiation therapy was similar to yours. I had the mold of my body made and was tattooed to make sure placement was right. I saw the radiation oncologist once a week while going through radiation.
My radiation therapy was completed on August 31st (I had 15 treatments) and my breast still looks a mess - especially on the right side, underneath and under my arm. That side is still stiff and I often have pain. I do my stretches and use the lotions recommended. My energy level is still low.
All that said - I know it will get better in time. I feel lucky that my cancer was caught early, it was small and my prognosis for the future is good.
Connect
Yes, I did win the breast cancer lottery! Keeping our sense of humor through all this is important, isn't it?!! I'm happy for you that your radiation experience went well for you.
Two people I know had residual problems years after going through cancer radiation. One person experienced his jaw bone deteriorating to the point of having to have a new one built and surgically placed. The other person had a lumpectomy 14 years ago, followed by the "standard" radiation. She's recently undergone a mastectomy because a new breast cancer had appeared, and her oncologist informed her that cancer was caused by the radiation she had all those years ago.
Of course, there's my sister that had a lumpectomy 10 years ago, followed by radiation. Cancer re-appeared, she had another lumpectomy (same breast) followed by a shorter radiation therapy. She seems to be doing OK at this point.
When I meet with the radiation oncologist, I'll go with as open a mind as possible. I've already been jotting down questions and concerns to discuss with him.