Radiation 5 vs 15 fractions

I can’t give you exactly the answer you are looking for, but I know my aunt 3 years ago, doubled her radiation to be done earlier for her granddaughters wedding and she claims she was fine. But I believe she went twice a day vs the plan you are asking about.

I avoided radiation for the breast but I did use some for the bones. Please explain what kind of fibrosis you are referring to.

I finished 30 days of radiation on August 14th. It was not difficult at all and my skin did not get as cooked as the shorter type of radiation. The only problem I had was keeping my arms above my head for 10-12 minutes. I am 77 and I consider the care I got to be excellent!

When I was first diagnosed a year ago (lobular stage 1b) i was at first told one week of radiation. But because it was lobular, they decided to do 15 treatments over three weeks. I’m sorry but I don’t know the dosage. But i had no problems with it. No skin problems. No fibrosis. It was right breast so heart was not involved. Had a breast MRI last week and everything is still good.

I was in the same situation and looked closely at all data. I chose the five and honestly had zero complications. I used Mepitel film and had no reaction to the skin at all. As far as fibrosis, there might be a little around the scar but I had a small 7MM tumor removed so not a lot was taken out. I had clear margins. My doctor explained all the studies and why she thought it had potential to do actually less damage to my heart and lungs. I did not have to do the breath holding at all since it was targeted radiation, even though on my left side. Clear scan 7 months later! Good luck with your decision. To me it actually felt like less harm going the shorter route, but I know everyone has different perspectives.

@lynnmarie406 I did the 5 days of radiation at MDA in 2022. I had 30g, 600 gy each day, every day. I believe they are now scheduling it for every other day.
I did not have any skin issues. Now 3 years later, I do have some skin thickening where the radiation touched - it does not feeel different to me but I did have a last plastic surgery adjustment to that breast in November 2024 and the breast is taking longer to drop into place, but the skin feels okay.

I also have some internal scar, most likely radiation necrosis. It doesn’t change the shape of the breast, the breast is soft, but a lumpiness can be felt in that area. I would guess lots of people have this - but I don’t know.
I’d make the same decision again. Private message me if you want to talk! I’m in the Austin area.

2 years ago I had the 5 day course, and have no residual side effects.

It was given every other day over a 2 week period (radiologist said this timing reduces side effects since your body has a little time to recover before another treatment) and I had mine in the prone position where you lay on your stomach, so the radiation isn’t aimed directly at the chest. That position may not be appropriate depending on where the beam needs to be aimed, and since it requires special equipment and training not every facility offers it, but it reduces the risk of heart/lung side effects.

I developed a mild rash right at the end of my treatment, mostly on areas where the skin probably had some sun damage. Lasted about 10 days & itched, but cortisone cream helped a lot.

I applied the lotion suggested by the radiologist right after each treatment, as well as several other times during the day. My radiologist also suggested applying a very strong brewed green tea to my breast before each treatment, plus 3 - 4 times a day every day.

There are so many options/decisions that need to be made throughout this process - good for you for getting the information you need to make the best choice for you!

I had the 5 day schedule as you described with the higher radiation dose in 2023. Thus is the UK model that they initiated during COVID so women could get their treatment in less time. The research studies I read indicated results for side effects were the same and the cosmetic appearance was not any worse then 3 weeks of 5 daily lower dose treatments.

I wanted to get my treatments finished in fewer days since I traveled 3 hours to stay with my son to have the treatment at the hospital where he works. I used calendula cream after each treatment. I did get a heat rash on my upper abdomen on day 4 but it was a hot summer that year in July. The rash cleared up with cortisone cream and blowing a fan on my chest and abdomen.

I have no regrets with the outcome. My left breast is a bit lumpy from the radiation scarring but I can live with that at my age. I’ll be 70 this year and have had no recurrence. I’m taking Letrozole for estrogen Positive cancer. The radiation was a breeze compared to Letrozole. Best wishes and blessings to you.

That you everyone for the replies. It’s very reassuring to read everyone else’s experiences with the radiation. 💖
@pbnew The fibrosis I am worried about is with all the scar tissue and the rearranged tissue from surgery. I had a 3.5cm long, flattened and killed from the chemo, invasive ductal tumor that went right up to under the nipple. The surgeon removed that, clean margins, and then the plastic surgeon rearranged the remaining tissues and did a lift, removing a lot of extra skin. Did the same in the other side to make it match. 👍🏻. Also, because of the location of the tumor, my relocated nipple had nothing under it, so to speak. Like the surgeon literally just reattached it, hoping that the nipple would not die, like a skin graft. Luckily for me, the skin didn’t die, 😅 it is still very tender and discolored though.
What I am thinking is maybe with all this newly healing and rearranged tissue, that the shorted stronger radiation might cause more outer skin and internal breast “damage” than the 15 day lighter radiation. But do the extra days of lighter radiation equate to the same possible damage ?? I really need to have a proper talk with the radiation oncologist.
My radiation is for the full breast, and I will be lying flat on my back, with my arms above my head. I will need to hold my breath for 25-30 seconds. I’ve started practicing for that.

Hi 👋🏻
Did you use the film over your whole breast? Or was it a targeted radiation?
Thanks! 😊