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Radiation treatment and pulmonary fibrosis

Posted by crteelect @crteelect, Nov 25, 2022

I have recently been diagnosed with invasive duct carcinoma ER/PR+, HER2-. Two of my sisters have also had breast cancer ( 30+ year and 4+ year survivors). I also have a family history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (father, 2 sisters, 2 uncles, 1 aunt and 3 first cousins). I am struggling with the decision of a partial mastectomy with radiation therapy or mastectomy. The 4 year survivor developed the pulmonary fibrosis following her radiation and chemo therapy. Anyone else know of radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 25, 2022

Welcome @crteelect. Given your family history, you have a legimate reason for being cautious about radiation therapy and carefully considering which post-surgical treatments are right for you. @vickiekersch asked similar questions in this related discussion:
- Heart and lung conditions post breast cancer radiation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/heart-conditions-post-radiation/

Fellow members @thseabreze @kee @shirley57 @inquiringminds @tessa2 have talked about radiation-induced lung side effects, including pulmonary fibrosis, and may have experiences to share with you.

@crteelect, I assume your cancer team is aware of your family's medical history. Have you discussed equally effective treatments that may not involve radiation?

REPLY
crteelect | @crteelect | Dec 20, 2022

Yes, the cancer team is very well aware. I requested a care team meeting with the surgeon, my pulmonologist and the radiation oncologist. While the PA for my surgeon was a road block, I was able to speak with my surgeon and pulmonologist which resulted in meeting the radiation oncologist. That meeting gave me so much information and I had such peace about the lumpectomy and partial breast radiation with deep inhalation breath hold. Surgery is 12/20.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 25, 2022
In reply to @crteelect "Yes, the cancer team is very well aware. I requested a care team meeting with the..." + (show)
@crteelect

Yes, the cancer team is very well aware. I requested a care team meeting with the surgeon, my pulmonologist and the radiation oncologist. While the PA for my surgeon was a road block, I was able to speak with my surgeon and pulmonologist which resulted in meeting the radiation oncologist. That meeting gave me so much information and I had such peace about the lumpectomy and partial breast radiation with deep inhalation breath hold. Surgery is 12/20.

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@crteelect, how is your recovery from surgery going?

REPLY
crteelect | @crteelect | Dec 26, 2022

Remarkably well. Thanks be to God. Thank you for asking. Very little pain. Full range of motion. The hardest part is sleeping on my right side. Thank you for asking.

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