Has anyone completed the 5 day radiation instead of the 20 for breast

@triciaot Thank you. I did have contrast with my MRI.
Was Li Fraumeni or BRCA ruled out for you after your test It is very alarming to have this kind of family history. I hope your brother will have a good outcome and that your cysts remain small. Yes, staying a step ahead means everything.

@jnlnwool Thank you. Keeping on top of needed scans, tests, etc. and feeling pretty well. I am vigilant about my life style and hope it helps.

@jnlnwool Good for you! You are making intelligent choices for your particular situation. I’m rooting for you!

I had non-invasive DCIS intermediate ER/PR positive, no node involvement lumpectomy. Surgery was not difficult. An approx 1-inch piece of tissue was removed containing two very small calcifications near each other. I have a seroma in its place.

I also struggled with the decision. After lots of research I decided the 5-day would be appropriate. It was a bit of a struggle to get radiologist fully on board, even though he thought it was “reasonable” for me because most of the trials were done for invasive low level cancer. He felt there wasn’t enough data for non- invasive DCIS. I think he would have preferred 15 days but the travel time of several hours a day for me would have been so much more difficult than 5 and everything I read showed just as effective results, fewer side effects, and happier patients. Some earlier comments her have very good info on those trials. The 5- day is starting to replace the 15 or 20 day routine. Hurray!

RT itself was easy. I completed 5-day, (5 fractions) once per day, totaling 26 Gys. Started a Tuesday and finished on Monday September 21. Skipped the weekend. Doc said that was fine, About 2 weeks later I had some pretty intense itching on my chest above my breast, not on the breast, Docs explained that skin is thinner there so is likely to have more reaction. No significant rash or burn, A little pink speckling and very slight tanning of general breast area and areola. Some nerve zingers but not bad. That is getting better now except for some possible letrozole effects.

I used a some OTC cortisone for itch and gentle, fragrance free cream to soothe and moisturize. Cera-Ve is good but thick. I am now liking Moo Goo Skin Milk. Just stay away from anything with fragrance or alcohol. Gentle. Gentle. And wear your softest bra. You will be more sensitive to touch.

The RT wasn’t bad at all. Take a couple friends with you and go to lunch after. That was immensely helpful for me and my spirits.

Now my struggle is managing the aromatase inhibitor experience.

Best wishes to you! Hugs!

I completed 5-day radiation approximately 20 months ago with great results! I used mepitel film so did not have skin irritation and only experienced mild fatigue. I did lose weight, (10 lbs) and was also happy with the result. Good luck

I have same concern. Also I’m concerned about protecting my heart and lungs since it’s my left breast. My lumpectomy + sentinel node biopsy were 10/14 and pathology report showed no lymph involvement and margins clear. I had invasive lobular cancer, stage 1 and also LCIS.
Had initial visit with radiation oncologist, pre surgery, and he thought the 5 day radiation would be suitable, perhaps requiring a booster. Have others had this concern about protecting heart and lungs and were you able to get comfortable with it?

@dianap1 Mine was also stage 1 lobular on the left side, but no node involvement. I talked at length with my radiation oncologist about potential damage to the heart, and he assured me the risk was minimal. 20 months later after the five rounds of radiation all tests and scans are clear and no damage to the heart. There is no guarantee for any of us. I do understand your concerns and do not wish to minimize them. Best wishes and once you make your decision don't look back!