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Hi Everyone, I Have A Question On Options Of Radiation Treatments.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mount Pleasant, SC

Whole breast only radiation or whole breast with lymph nodes in my axilla and chest wall area?? Side effects with the lymph node radiation would be the chance of lymphedema in my arm and pneumonitis (inflammation in the lining of my lung). Anyone have any thoughts or advice?

August 9, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

Janice- not sure if you are currently undergoing chemo. But i use cold packs that are inserted in gloves and socks. For neuropathy and nail protection. Got them on amazon and put them on before they give me the specific drug that effects this.
I bring them in and keep in the my cooler.

August 10, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

The margins were clear but I had one positive lymph node.

August 10, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Hello Margaret, it really depends on some factors such as did they get clear margins after surgical removal? Did they biopsy the Sentinel and/or lymph nodes?

August 10, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Certainly! Here are the options for radiation treatments for breast cancer based on the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most Common Form: Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Target Areas: Whole breast, lymph nodes, or other areas affected by cancer. Show Full Answer

Certainly! Here are the options for radiation treatments for breast cancer based on the knowledge base:

Types of Radiation Therapy:
1. External Beam Radiation:
- Most Common Form: Beams of energy are projected from a machine into the body.
- Target Areas: Whole breast, lymph nodes, or other areas affected by cancer.
- Schedule: Typically delivered five days a week for up to seven weeks.
- Accelerated Breast Irradiation: Given twice daily for one to three weeks.

2. Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy):
- Localized Treatment: Involves implanting a small catheter or device near the surgical site.
- Procedure: Small radioactive pellets are introduced via the catheter.
- Usage: Less common and used for certain small cancers.

3. Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT):
- During Surgery: Radiation is given during surgery, completing both surgery and radiation before waking up.
- Eligibility: Only certain individuals with specific cancers can receive IORT.

Additional Information:
- Hyperthermia (Thermotherapy):
- Before Radiation: Involves heating the cancer tissue to high temperatures to make cancer cells more susceptible to radiation.
- Research: Still being researched and not widely available.

What to Expect:
- Start Time: Radiation treatments often start three to eight weeks after surgery or three to four weeks after chemotherapy.
- Side Effects: Can vary from person to person, including skin irritation and fatigue.

Radiation for Metastatic Cancer:
- Customized Plan: Based on tumor size, location, pain level, and other treatments.

Feel free to ask if you need more details on any specific type of radiation therapy!

August 9, 2024

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