POST-MASTECTOMY RADIATION This article really says it like it is. I will add again my
MASS was 14 cm. The Ameridex 1mg that I was given and will be on for a total of five years truly took the MASS down to an operable state. This was given by the wisdom of Dr. R. Weiss.
My Doctor team from Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach Fl: the surgeon Dr. J. Bianchi had the skill to get this large monster out of me without destroying my chest wall,. Dr. C. Hechtman, my oncology radiologist has the skill to develop a radiation treatment plan of seven weeks for me. It takes a team that stretches beyond the wise men. Thank heavens I have remained in good spirits and I walk each mornings. That has always been my number one goal and gift from the heavens above, to continue my walking efforts.
For many women who undergo mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) for cancer treatment, radiation treatment is not needed. However, for patients whose lymph nodes are involved with cancer, who have large tumors, or whose tumor is close to the "margin" (the edge of what a surgeon can remove), radiation treatment can play a very important role in improving cancer control.
Technologies including 3D-conformal, IMRT, and IGRT are used for post-mastectomy radiation therapy, similar to whole breast treatment. Treatments are typically given over 6 to 7 weeks in order to safely treat the appropriate areas at risk with minimal long-term side effects.
Treatments given after mastectomy will typically target the chest wall and may also target the lymph nodes of the axilla (armpit) through the supraclavicular area (above the collarbone). For patients whose cancer has traveled to these lymph nodes, adding radiation therapy after mastectomy significantly enhances tumor control and reduces the risk of cancer spread (metastasis) in the future. Radiation therapy improves the cure rate and survival for many patients with significant node-positive disease.
RECONSTRUCTION AND RADIATION THERAPY
Patients who opt for reconstruction after mastectomy can still safely receive radiation therapy, but this requires coordination and communication amongst the physicians involved. Radiation treatment can be delivered to the reconstructed breast, but sometimes reconstruction is delayed until after radiation, treatment has been completed and appropriate healing has taken place. ROA phyisicans have extensive experience in this situation and will discuss all options and techniques with your plastic surgeon to create a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RADIATION THERAPY
Breast and chest wall irradiation is usually well tolerated, and the side effects during treatment are relatively mild. You will typically develop a skin reaction during treatment that usually looks like a mild to moderate “sun-burn” of the skin of your breast or chest wall. You will be instructed in the appropriate skin care. You may also experience some fatigue towards the end of treatment, but this usually is not overwhelming. Most of our patients can go about their normal daily activities, or work full time throughout their treatment course. We encourage exercise as patients who do so regularly experience less fatigue. You are not radioactive, and can interact freely with friends and family, and even with children, and pregnant women.
We are very concerned about the potential for long term damage to underlying organs such as the heart and lung whenever we use radiation therapy in the chest area. With our sophisticated 3-dimensional treatment planning we can minimize the amount of radiation that any of these organs receives. Therefore, your risk of long term lung or (if the left breast is treated) heart injury from the radiation treatment is very small. During the course of treatment, images or x-rays of the treatment area are taken weekly to assure that you are setting up perfectly. These are checked by your physician.
Your personal care team consists of your physician, oncology nurse, radiation therapists, nutritionist and social worker. During your treatment, you will meet with your physician (or, in his or her absence, one of our other physicians) weekly to address any questions you might have, and for the physician to evaluate how you are tolerating treatment. We are here to provide support, address your questions and concerns, and help you move forward through your treatment into recovery. Hugs, phyllis 05/06/1933 www.women70andover.com
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