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Mastectomy, Chemotherapy And Radiation Therapy?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Indianapolis, IN

Hi everyone. I am starting to have doubts about having radiation therapy after my last TC chemotherapy treatment. I had a double mastectomy after a lumpectomy and the surgeon wasn't able to get clean margins. Between both surgeries I had 5/28 lymph nodes positive for cancer in my right arm pit. Has anyone else had mastectomy, chemotherapy and then radiation therapy? I'm wondering if the radiation therapy is worth it after having chemo.

January 29, 2023
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A MyBCTeam Member

Yup. I had all three. Im cancer free 10 years and Im glad I threw everything available at the wicked stuff. This is me after a new years polar bear plunge in Milwaukee a few years ago

July 20, 2023
A MyBCTeam Member

I had a mastectomy - am finishing chemo in a few weeks and then will start radiation. I’ve heard radiation is much easier than chemo! For me because of the large size of the tumor and high grade - my risk of recurrence is higher - so radiation is recommended. My docs explained that any cells I have now should respond well to radiation - but if you don’t treat and have a recurrence the cells can come back more aggressive so I figured I’d blast it now. Best of luck!

February 3, 2023 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

There are too many variants in breast cancer, there is not a clear-cut remedy for breast cancer, they start with a conservative treatment, if it did not work, go to the next aggressive ones. Each doctor does it differently, also it depends to your health, and previous health..

February 3, 2023
A MyBCTeam Member

Praying for your speedy recovery, Mary436!

February 23, 2023
A MyBCTeam Member

Here is the information about the treatments mentioned:

Mastectomy
- Definition: Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, partially or completely.
- Context: Not specifically detailed in the provided knowledge base.

Chemotherapy
- Definition: Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs
- Show Full Answer

Here is the information about the treatments mentioned:

Mastectomy
- Definition: Mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, partially or completely.
- Context: Not specifically detailed in the provided knowledge base.

Chemotherapy
- Definition: Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs.
- Administration:
- Intravenously (IV) or orally.
- Timing:
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Given before surgery.
- Advanced Breast Cancer: Used in cases of advanced breast cancer.
- Goals:
- Kill cancer cells.
- Shrink tumors.
- Prevent or slow the spread of cancer.

Radiation Therapy
- Purpose: Helps destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, and prevent the spread of cancer.
- Types:
- External Beam Radiation:
- Most common form.
- Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body, targeting specific areas.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy):
- Direct and localized.
- Involves implanting a small catheter or device near the surgical site.
- Radioactive pellets are introduced via the catheter.
- Usage:
- Often used after surgery, especially lumpectomy.
- Can be used when surgery is not an option to shrink tumors and treat pain.
- Procedure:
- External Beam Radiation:
- Delivered five days a week for up to seven weeks.
- Accelerated breast irradiation: Twice daily for one to three weeks.
- Hypofractionated radiation therapy: Larger doses for shorter periods.
- Internal Radiation:
- Planning involves scans like CT, ultrasound, and mammography.
- Implants may be placed during or after surgery.
- Treatment may be received twice a day for as little as five days.
- Side Effects:
- Skin may develop a burn similar to a sunburn, which can be treated with topical ointments.
- Follow-Up:
- Appointments every three to six months initially, then annually after five years.

Additional Notes
- Hyperthermia:
- Also known as thermotherapy or thermal therapy.
- Involves heating cancer tissue to make it more susceptible to radiation.
- Still being researched and not widely available.

Intended Outcomes
- Radiation Therapy:
- Helps prevent the return or spread of cancer by killing cancer cells and destroying any remaining cells.

This information is based on the provided knowledge base.

July 22, 2024

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