1 Week vs 3 Week Whole Breast Radiation Schedule after Lumpectomy DCIS

I had the one-week radiation therapy following a lumpectomy for Stage 1 lobular breast cancer. I had no side effects whatsoever, despite the stronger dose. No burning, no post-treatment pain. I was extremely grateful to be offered that option as I live about 2 hours from the nearest hospital that offers radiation. Good luck to you!

I had requested the one week option and my RO said she would do that, but wanted me to know research shows more impact on scarring and aesthetics, that it changes the appearance of the breast more. I personally have no idea! Glad the other poster had a great outcome. This was a tough decision for me. I start the 20th and ordered Mepitel, the film that prevents burns. My RO said it is great, but patient has to order it.

I have Stage 1a Luminal B breast cancer. At my cancer center (Memorial Sloan Kettering) I was offered only the 5 day hypo-fractionated radiotherapy. MSK didn't tell me about Mepitel. Four months later, the skin of the treated breast is still extremely dry and has a mild rash. Both symptoms seem to be slowly improving, but it's hard to tell. The appearance of my breast (i.e. shape, size) doesn't seem changed--but my breasts are small, so maybe I wouldn't notice a difference. Per MSK physician assistant, some side effects of radiotherapy don't show up until a year (or even years) later. I have no idea if the shorter, stronger course of treatment has more (or the same) long term effects compared the standard treatment regime.

Hi
I had ER/PR + her2 - Stage 0. Lumpectomy.
I was offered 20 sessions radiation 4 wks or 10 days . 5 days Lumpectomy site, next 5 days whole breast dbl dose. I took the 10 days. No burning at all. No skin issues . Just put my cream on afterwards. My radiation fatigue was wicked. I am 11 mths post and starting to get more energy. I also have fibromyalgia though and was taken off hrt after 14yrs so it's been a roller coaster with menopause.

I was told radiation for one week has not been out that long-post radiation studies only up to 5 years. So I chose 3 weeks. I am healthy 66 years old and plan on living longer than 5 years.
Hope that helps.

I will be starting my radiation tomorrow. I have 2 weeks strong, whole breast first week and strong partial breast the second week. We live 120 miles from my treatment. I have the same cancer. I hope I do as well as you.

I read that a higher dose of radiation has a greater chance of side effects but I know someone who had the one week and had no side effects
I start my 3rd and final week tomorrow thankfully. I had some nausea and vomiting Friday and part of Saturday for the 1st time. Asking for anti nausea meds tomorrow in case it gets worse. I couldn't sleep that much Friday night. Hope your treatment goes well with no side effects.

i'm exhausted every day , finished chemo a year ago , radiation 7 months ago , but got covid in december . the fatique is non stop

Hi
I did not have to do chemo. Apr 2 will be 1 yr post radiation. I think the fatigue and stopping hormones has given me the depression and anxiety. My Dr Tried 3 different Antidepressants. I could not tolerate them. Now I am on Trazadone 25mg to start it's for sleep and helps with anxiety and mood. This week will be the 3rd week. I go up to 50mg . It takes 6 wks for the anxiety . It does help me sleep deep and I have not had any major side effects. Its an older medication . I still need my lorezepam for the anxiety but it should get better with the stronger dose. It has helped with my fatigue. Going to the Dr today to get my lorezepam back. The pharmacist, said you usually need some low dose lorezepam the first 6 wks. I hope you find something to help you. The fatigue is brutal.

Are you done? How’d it go with the Mepitel? Happy healing.