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Right breast cancer DCIS: Is 4-5 weeks of radiation normal protocol?

Posted by m3rt @m3rt, Feb 21, 2023

I recently was diagnosed with (DCIS) stage 1, her2 negative, both hormones positive, 4mm size tumor. I chose to have a lumpectomy and do hormone treatment. The doctor removed 4 lymph nodes in the breast and one sentinel node all were negative for cancer. The tumor was removed January 23, the doctors said because the lump was so small they didn’t do a onco. test, but suggested that I do 4-5 weeks of radiation. I was wondering if 4-5 weeks for radiation is being over cautious? Or is this normal procedure? I will be laying on my back for radiation treatment.

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tctredwell1 | @tctredwell1 | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "I'm getting ready to have my simulation planning session on Monday for my radiation. TNBC BRCA2+..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

I'm getting ready to have my simulation planning session on Monday for my radiation. TNBC BRCA2+ and had bilateral this past Nov (2022). Small spot detected in 1 lymph node pathology so it was decided radiation would be wise. I was told it would be either 1 week (a high dosage) or 3 weeks (lower dosage) but that would be determined after simulation planning analysis was complete. I weathered chemo really well so I'm hoping I do the same with radiation. I too want to continue to work - fortunately I still work from home and my boss is very understanding as I keep him abreast of how my treatment is going and how I'm feeling and when I need to take time off for appointments. I'm nervous about radiation and the side effects short and long term. Reading all these threads about everyone's experience has been very helpful.

Thank you everyone for your experience - I know mine will be unique to me; but it's good to hear from many that they weathered the process well - even if in the short term there was an issue that was eventually resolved. Again thank you.

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I also have my planning session on Monday (3/6) so Good luck to us both!

REPLY
boathouse | @boathouse | Mar 4, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "I'm getting ready to have my simulation planning session on Monday for my radiation. TNBC BRCA2+..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

I'm getting ready to have my simulation planning session on Monday for my radiation. TNBC BRCA2+ and had bilateral this past Nov (2022). Small spot detected in 1 lymph node pathology so it was decided radiation would be wise. I was told it would be either 1 week (a high dosage) or 3 weeks (lower dosage) but that would be determined after simulation planning analysis was complete. I weathered chemo really well so I'm hoping I do the same with radiation. I too want to continue to work - fortunately I still work from home and my boss is very understanding as I keep him abreast of how my treatment is going and how I'm feeling and when I need to take time off for appointments. I'm nervous about radiation and the side effects short and long term. Reading all these threads about everyone's experience has been very helpful.

Thank you everyone for your experience - I know mine will be unique to me; but it's good to hear from many that they weathered the process well - even if in the short term there was an issue that was eventually resolved. Again thank you.

Jump to this post

Hello,
Last year I had a bilateral mastectomy and sentinel dissection (stage3).
After I had 5 weeks 25 rounds of radiation.
I set my appt to 7:00 am came back to my hotel and worked everyday. I never missed a day of work (kept my
Mind focused).

I napped during lunch and after work I slept from 7:00 pm to 5 am.

I went through radiation well. Discolored skin, but that has healed with some darkness. I am cancer clear and have full energy and full life!!
Cleaning lady was key at my home - extra cost but did all the heavy stuff.
Support from family and work keeps you motivated.
You will “rock this!”
Fatigue was two weeks after radiation - but pushed through it with lots of 20 minute power naps.

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m3rt | @m3rt | Mar 5, 2023

Start my radiation treatment tomorrow (Monday). My doctor recommended aquafor, miaderm or botanical moisturizing gel. As anyone used pure organic coconut oil? I was thinking of using coconut oil at night before bed for additional moisturizing? I have read this also helps? Any thoughts on this matter?

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Mar 5, 2023
In reply to @m3rt "Start my radiation treatment tomorrow (Monday). My doctor recommended aquafor, miaderm or botanical moisturizing gel. As..." + (show)
@m3rt

Start my radiation treatment tomorrow (Monday). My doctor recommended aquafor, miaderm or botanical moisturizing gel. As anyone used pure organic coconut oil? I was thinking of using coconut oil at night before bed for additional moisturizing? I have read this also helps? Any thoughts on this matter?

Jump to this post

I used an alcohol free, pure aloe vera gel. Kept a small one in my purse and a larger one in the fridge, that felt so good. I didn’t try coconut oil but it sounds like it is worth a try.
Do you have a plan to treat yourself in some way each week during treatment. I did this with family and it was fun?

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m3rt | @m3rt | Mar 5, 2023

Ohh, never thought about putting it in the fridge that sounds great! Good idea to plan something special with the family each week! Humm, whats some things you and family did together?

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Mar 5, 2023
In reply to @m3rt "Ohh, never thought about putting it in the fridge that sounds great! Good idea to plan..." + (show)
@m3rt

Ohh, never thought about putting it in the fridge that sounds great! Good idea to plan something special with the family each week! Humm, whats some things you and family did together?

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We had milkshakes on the way home one week.
One week we treated ourselves to some fresh raspberries. I liked to let them choose the treat each week on the doctor day. My husband wanted Chinese food one day. Since radiation takes about a minute, we could plan a family meal or just a smoothie.
Are traveling a ways to radiation?

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m3rt | @m3rt | Mar 6, 2023

Smoothies sounds good! Thankfully it’s only about a 30 minute drive! I scheduled mine early mornings.

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suzyattendorn | @suzyattendorn | Mar 6, 2023

I was diagnosed with DCIS in Situ. We had thought is was Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia until they removed it and biopsied. Unfortunately, one side didn't have a clean margin, and they have to go back in. I understand that I will need radiation for 4-6 weeks, so I guess that is normal.
Suzy

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2 replies
janana113 | @janana113 | Mar 7, 2023

I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0 in September 2022. I had surgery 12/5/22 and started radiation 2/21/23, scheduled for 33 sessions.

I felt 33 sessions was excessive. I had someone in healthcare check the protocol for radiation and it was confirmed that this was correct according to Department of Health.

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yesteryear131 | @yesteryear131 | Mar 7, 2023
In reply to @suzyattendorn "I was diagnosed with DCIS in Situ. We had thought is was Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia until..." + (show)
@suzyattendorn

I was diagnosed with DCIS in Situ. We had thought is was Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia until they removed it and biopsied. Unfortunately, one side didn't have a clean margin, and they have to go back in. I understand that I will need radiation for 4-6 weeks, so I guess that is normal.
Suzy

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Mine was stage 1a and my onco score was 21 so I received 4 weeks but I have heard some having up to 6 weeks as being normal for my numbers

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