Invasive ductal carcinoma and length of radiation treatment

@nana3131, according to this article from Mayo Clinic:
- Radiation for breast cancer https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy-for-breast-cancer/about/pac-20384940
“Increasingly, doctors are recommending shorter courses of treatment (hypofractionated treatment).”

Fellow IDC-ers like @gerada @6750 @windyshores @kathyomaha55 @anjalima can share their radiation treatment experiences.

Nana, it sounds like you cancer treatment team have devised a treatment scheduled tailored for you. I’d be interested what you learn from your team.

In 2018 - I had 21 radiation treatments. 16 were to the whole breast (I was laying face down). The last 6 treatments were more directly to the location the tumors (I had 3) were located. So I was on my back for the last 6 treatments. It was much more comfortable lying on my back. Starting the 3rd week, I suffered from the really bad fatigue. It was just such an effort to go every day (M-F only). I took 2 friends with me for my last treatment & we celebrated with a meal after. I'm not aware there is a "standard" treatment. I was stage 1 with an Oncotype of 22. Good luck.

Colleen I will let you know

I also had IDC stage 1, no positive lymph nodes. Last Feb. 2022 I had 21 radiation treatments all face down. Most of them were to the whole breast and then more localized. I don’t remember a lot of fatigue but I did have the itchy rash to deal with. There is some permanent skin discoloration and my affected breast is still somewhat tender and about a half cup larger than the other.

@nana3131
Radiation treatments are determined case by case. I went in telling the radiation oncologist I didn't need radiation and didn't need to be there. He replied not only did I require it, but I needed more...UGH...30 treatments later, I was finished with it! The reason for mine was that I had several cancerous nodes, but one had broken through into the lymphatic system so breast was radiated as well as the armpit area. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to get a second opinion. All the best to you.

I had surgery March 2022 with sentinel nodes removed.
Bi lateral mastectomy-
I had 5 weeks 25 sessions had fatigue last week of treatment.
Face up right side only
I do think every treatment plan is different.
I was stage 3 breast cancer with 1 lymph node affected.
Cancer clear as of today. Finished additional preventative chemo treatments after radiation.
Feel great

I was diagnosed with triple-negative, which is weird because I am way over 40 and Western European. ???
I asked and am waiting for a second opinion on that. ??? The tumor was a 1-b and small found during a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy and radiation. Because I have some respiratory issues, I chose to have a Savi device inserted into my breast. Broadspread radiation does affect your heart and lungs. I had five days of high-dose radiation which pinpoints the tumor site. I am literally praying I chose wisely, and do so in the future. Prayers for recovery for all here on this thread. God bless and keep you.

what is a Savi device? I too hse lung and heart issues and am 86. They told me I wll have to ise breathing tube to hold breath, with. nose clip on. This sounds pretty archaic!!!

Below is a link explaining the Savi.

I had four positive nodes and extra nodal extension.. what was your experience with radiation? also what side? Am supposed to have 28 days.. wonder if I should do it.