5 day radiotherapy treatment
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staton
Member Posts: 15 ✭
I have recently been diagnosed with low grade early stage estrogen positive breast cancer. I have had a lumpectomy and the margins and 4 nodes removed were clear. I have been offered the standard 3 week radiotherapy treatment or a 5 day targeted radiotherapy treatment which only delivers the radiation to the area of the lesion. Has anyone had this 5 day radiotherapy treatment?
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Comments
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Hi, I was similar to you and had a lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed and all clear. I had the 15 sessions of radiotherapy Jan/Feb this year. I wanted radiotherapy to cover the whole area, not just a targeted area, just in case there were any floaters (for want of a technical term).
Just get as much information as you can from your specialist team so you can make an informed decision on what is right for you.2 -
I am currently having the five day targeted therapy. I queried the radio team today and she said if it needs treatment again down the track, not as much damage has been done so it is a possibility.2
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Thanks @Blossom1961 that's interesting I will ask my oncologist that question, how are you finding the treatment?1
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@staton I understand. Mine is right breast.
My side effects didn't really kick in until the end of my rads. I did start to have a little irritation towards the end of the last week. The few weeks following, my skin was itchy, red and lumpy (like hives) and I was very tired. I had afternoon naps on the weekends. I kept using QV soap and sorbolene cream plus took clarentyne tablets to help with the irritation.2 -
I’ve been offered 15 or 5 too.It’s not until May because I’m regional NSW and one of the machines at the hospital broke down 😩 so now there is a backlog of people.I initially decided to have 15 but as time goes on I think the 5 may be an option too.Be interesting to see the difference in outcomes.The reason I chose 15 is because it has a lot more research behind it. The onc told me they are doing a 5 year study of the 5 round treatment however the results aren’t available til 2025.I don’t want to make a decision based on wanting to get through it quicker and the recurrence rate is higher or more damage is done because it’s higher strength.Sorry not helpful but you’re not alone in your decision making.2
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@MrsMorrisey that's exactly what I'm thinking about both options. Mine wont start until my breast heals from a major hematoma that caused a rush to hospital and blood transfusion.1
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@staton The beauty of the five day treatment is you have less burning risk. I have now done three of my five and it is a little itchy but not even a little bit red. I only use the sorbolene. If I had done fifteen zaps I would have bought the StrataXT cream.1
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@Blossom1961 thanks for the information and good to know you only have 2 more to go!2
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I think I had 20 sessions plus a booster (4 weeks) and finished treatment 6 years ago this week! ....
I had a tiny bit of skin breakdown in the final few days & was recommended to use BOZ (Boric Acid, Olive Oil & Zinc) - Nursing mums use it if their skin/nipples crack .... Up til then I'd used Calendula, Aloe Vera, and Renu 28 by ASEA (as given me by a nursing friend who'd had BC.)
I'd also been given the 'clinical trial option' in 2018 of NOT having Rads - but I preferred to have Rads & mop up any 'randoms' ....
I also had my treatment PRONE (lying face down instead of face up) - and I see there is a trial on just now as to which is 'better' at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre .
https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/prone-vs-supine-treatment-position-during-radiation/
Tho it depends on the size of your boobs AND where your cancer was removed, I guess. Mine was immediately behind the nipple, so lying 'prone' had it exposed nicely for the Rads machine. (I've always been a 34 but not wearing bras for 50 years made them 'droop' a bit, I guess) - so the Rad Onc thought my treatment could be done 'boobs down'! It also means that rays don't go into your chest cavity as much as 'boobs up'.
Ask your Rad Onc if you might qualify for 'boobs down'
(My surgeon was amazed at how 'natural' my boobs felt after the Rads, as sometimes there can be some 'firm bits' within the breast tissue after Rads.)
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Awesome @staton - I've only heard wonderful things about the ONJ centre ...... From memory, the only issue I had was getting off the 'bed' .... as it had to be lifted up quite high, for the machine to do the work from UNDERNEATH the bed ..... so then you have to wait for it to be lowered before trying to get off!!!
I forgot once & had started 'turning over' whilst up in the air! LOL. I needed seat belts!
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@staton. I too like you had a lumpectomy to the left breast. I am due to have to my last of 15 treatments in around and hours time.So far just some fatigue.slight reddening of the breast and some occasional stabbing pains otherwise all has been good. I only used the sorbolene given to me by the Hospital and some gentle baby wash and haven’t had an issue with dryness. I wasn’t offered the option of 5 treatments, which I might of taken as I struggle big time with the breath holding 🤣. I wish you all the best which ever option you take.3
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Hi @Booklover thankyou for your comment, Im glad to hear you probably have finished your treatment by now. And, it makes me feel so much better to think Im not alone with having radiotherapy on the left breast. This journey makes me feel so alone at times.
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Hi sorry to hear about your breast cancer. I also had a lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed. I had a 19 day radiation therapy and used Flamigel after each session 3 times a day. This helped me a lot with the redness and the burning sensation. Wishing you all the best in the future xx4
