Radiotherapy Treatment Choices

Hi, I had a mastectomy but as the tumor had been so large was recommended radiotherapy. I had one positive node out of 7 removed. 

They recommend 15 sessions chest wall, armpit & collar bone areas. I was like yourself really worried about lymphadema. The collar bone was a precaution, no cancer detected there. 

The oncolgist spoke to the MDT about the 3 areas she was recommending & they didn't think the armpit was warranted as such a small deposit in the node & wall not breached, so that area was dropped from the plsn

My radiotherapy finished about 10 weeks ago & so far no problems with either stiff shoulder or lymphadema, although that can develop at a later date.

I would talk it through again with the oncologist

Hope this helps. It's such a worrying time

Best wishes x

Hello AprilG,  Sorry that you are dealing with all these treatment questions.  I remember doing that too.  I believe that the 5 day accelerated radiation is for early breast cancer and since you have one positive node that could be why they want you to do the 15 treatments.  I don’t know the reason for the collarbone radiation but do understand about the axilla.

My situation was different.   I was 72 at diagnosis and had DCIS in right breast and stage 1 invasive in the left.  Both early cancers.  Did not have sentinel LNB as I was over 70 and cancers were staged early.  But I had the 15 radiation treatments to both breasts and a 5 treatment boost to tumor bed on right side.  Reason was they like to have 2mm margins for DCIS and I had that except in one small spot which was  a little less than 1 mm but margins were clear but wanted to be safe.  Also had radiation to lower lymph nodes left side as radiation oncologist said since I didn’t have sentinel LNB he recommended it.  I did well with everything and no lymphedema ( thank goodness).  I have a little stiffness in left upper chest that goes up to my shoulder but I am stretching and going to ask for physical therapy to stretch it too.  
I have been doing daily breast massage recommended by my radiation oncologist for the last 6 months.  It has helped as my breasts are soft and I have good range of motion and no swelling.  I started breast massage 3 weeks after I finished the radiation treatments.  I see the physicians assistant tomorrow for 6 month checkup so hope all is good.  
i can send you video on breast massage if you want it.  It is very good as the docs are not too thorough in explaining it.

Good luck with everything and you will get through this too.

Barbara

Hi Kitty, thank you  very much for sharing your treatment and for your advice. 

I am so pleased that your treatment is over and that so far there are no problems.

I am thinking which option to go for. I have 2 weeks to decide.  

I will post after my treatment the outcome.

All the best always x

Hello Barbara,  thank you very much for letting me know about your experience with radiation.

You seems to have done extremely well and it's so important to keep exercising and doing the right things.

I have heard about breast massage and I would be very grateful for a link to the video.

I will share everything after my treatment.

Good luck tomorrow.

All the best always. x

Hi AprilG,  here is the link for breast massage 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uRlGXeOcJno.

 I saw my breast surgeon in August and he was very happy too.  I had to have another surgeon do the other breast as he was out because of family emergency.  I was a wreck as I didn’t know the other surgeon.  He told me I looked symmetrical and with my small breasts I was concerned as there isn’t a lot of tissue that can be removed.  So far I am happy and had my first mammogram last August since treatment ended and it was fine.  
I think one piece of advice with radiation is to moisturize and really be gentle with your skin.  I used Avene products as I didn’t like what they had suggested as it was too heavy as I have sensitive and reactive skin too.  They gave me the ok and  they were amazed as I had no bad reaction.  Just a very slight pinkish hue and occasionally a minor itchy sensation which I put hydrocortisone on and poof it was gone.  
I have been faithful stretching too once I got the ok.  You are right about moving and doing as much as you can.  You are doing a great job with your homework.  
Whatever you choose will be right for you. 
Barbara

Such difficult decions to make, I have followed all the recommendations my surgeon & oncologist have made as I figure they have the qualifications & experience lol, I am glad however I queried how helpful/crucial the radiotherapy to armpit area would be & that prompted a change to my plan

Take care x