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Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
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| 5/24/2009 | I am a 53 year old female that had a lumpectomy on April 8, 2009.The tumor measured 1.1 cm and was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. THere was also a 25% component of DCIS present. Stage 1 cancer, 4 lymph nodes were removed and all were benign. Moderately differentiated. Oncotypedx score is 11. Complications after lumpectomy-ruptured skin near the incision-placed on antibiotic. the hole still did not close. THe radiooncologist said she will simulate me two weeks from May 22, 2009, whether or not the hole closes. Will the radiation still be as effective given the fact that the lumpectomy was on April 8, 2009? Can I receive radiation despite the fact that the hole is not fully closed and as of two days ago a cream discharge came out? The radiooncologist is suggesting 4 weeks of radiation and not 6 weeks because of my age. What are the benefits and disavantages between a 4 week or 6 weeks radiation? Will my heart and lung get damaged in the future? What are the chances of getting other aggressive cancer like angiosarcoma in the future? What do you estimate my longevity to be at this point? Must I take radiation and ameridex for 5 years? Are there any other options for my type of cancer? I do not want to be overtreated if I do not have to. One side effect of ameridex is thinning of hair. Does that mean that I will lose some hair and have bald spots? Thank you very much | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 5/24/2009 | keep in mind that when women have lumpectomy followed by chemo their radiation can happen quite a few months after their surgery date took place. what is more concerning is that the radiation may impact the continued healing process of this wound that doesn't want to heal. we don't know the benefit of 4 weeks vs 6 weeks of radiation either. i'm not aware of a clinical trial telling us this. when you sign up for lumpectomy you are signing up for radiation. the hormonal therapy is important too in preventing recurrence. it is rare to cause hair loss like you are fearing. | ||
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