Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
1,341 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/30/2008 | Hi: Thank you for this service. I declined axillary surgery after 1 positive sentinel node out of 2 was found at the final pathology report after my lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy because I did chemo (tc4x)(onco score 20), amd doing radiation and hormone therapy later. I am terrified of lymphedema and quality of life is of utmost importance to me. I am having the axilla radiated and I know there is o a risk of lymphedema. I have 2 questions. Do you think they will want to radiate the supraclavicular nodes? I have lung cancer in my family (my sister died at 39). How much of the lung will be radiated? My tumor was at 12 o'clock on the right breast, 1cm. IDC with clear margins, found on a routine mammogram. MRI,negative for anything else. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 11/30/2008 | I understand then your decision to not do the additional surgery. ask the radiation oncologist what measures are taken at their facility to protect your lungs and how close will they need to radiate the lung area (it is somewhat dependent on where the tumor was and how close to the chest wall it was located). I would not be worried about the radiation causing lung cancer. i'd be worried about it causing lung damage that can make the lung not work as well for air exchange. this can be an issue for women needing chest wall radiation. ask. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.