To boost or not to boost

Posted by brighterdays @brighterdays, Jun 30, 2023

I’ve seen 2 radiation oncologists. One suggested 15 day radiation only yo affected breast and the other suggested 15 day plus 5 day boost to tumor bed and also lymph node.
I have IDC stage 1A, lymph negative, tumor size less than 2cm, clear margin, grade 3.
What was your experience and what did you radiation oncologist suggest for your treatment?

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mossa | @mossa | Jul 2, 2023

I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in one area and multi centric ductal carcinoma in another area with Mets to 7 lymph nodes. I had 25 rounds of radiation with an additional boost of 5 directed to my incision. I used cocoa butter and pure aloe after each session and skin was great until the very last treatment. Peeled like a really bad sunburn but healed within a week. Like a previous post, I would have stood on my head for 25 days if that meant I could be cancer free. It is very important to feel confident that your radiology oncologist is competent, and that you have chosen someone you trust.

Zebra | @californiazebra | Jul 2, 2023

In reply to @jgallagher04921 "How did the reoccurance get found if you had a mastectomy?" + (show)

I found the recurrence myself. My chest is pretty bony since no reconstruction. I felt a hard painless immobile lump on my chest. Uh oh. My annual ultrasound happened to be scheduled for two days later so hopefully they would have found it anyway. They knew it was cancer from the ultrasound before I even had the biopsy because they immediately started telling me all about their cancer services and wonderful team.

cherziggy | @cherziggy | Jul 3, 2023

Please, what is boost? My journey just starting after lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. I am having radiation on Brest and lower lymph nodes. Thank you, I’m confused and scared

brighterdays | @brighterdays | Jul 3, 2023

In reply to @cherziggy "Please, what is boost? My journey just starting after lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. I am having..." + (show)

A radiation boost is more radiation that targets only the tumor bed after you get whole breast irradiation. Not everyone needs it. Speak more with your radiation oncologist on what is recommended for your specific situation. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

cherziggy | @cherziggy | Jul 3, 2023

In reply to @brighterdays "A radiation boost is more radiation that targets only the tumor bed after you get whole..." + (show)

Thank you!

fancynance | @fancynance | Jul 4, 2023

In reply to @cherziggy "Thank you!" + (show)

Hi there, I'm sorry you are also on this journey but glad you can reach out on this website.
I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1, ER+ but due to my ki-67 score of 29 (high), chemo and radiation came after the lumpectomy.
The last 5 radiation treatments were a boost which became part of this treatment plan which "brighterdays" explains well.

It was so much infi to take in quickly but I kept thinking whatever my doctors decided on to get rid of this cancer was fine with me (i was 59 years old then).
I did use fresh aloe (it goes a long way) everyday but after the booster my skin was redder and someone recommended a product on Amazon with menthol that I found soothing. Keep in mind you cannot use this until after radiation is complete.
I wish you all the best as you get through this challenge, and you will. Remember to get all your questions answered by your doctors while you are under treatment, you are all on the same team. 😊