Mom's Results & Radiation Therapy

Friday, February 13th

Mom received the pathology report from her most recent surgery.
The results were negative for cancer, so the doctor did a good job of making sure all of the cancer was removed. Mom will have her follow-up exam on Friday, February 20th. This will include the scheduling of her six weeks of radiation treatments.

When localized DCIS (lesion that appears in one limited place) has been detected on a mammogram or by physical exam, breast-conserving surgery in which the breast is not removed may be followed by radiation therapy as adjuvant treatment. There is a significant decrease in local recurrence of DCIS in women who receive radiation following surgery. Without the radiation therapy, there is a 40% chance of recurrence. With the radiation therapy, the incidence of recurrence is 7%.

The purpose of radiation is to destroy any potential remaining DCIS that might still be in the breast. Radiation therapy is treatment with high-energy rays, and is given five days a week for a period of five to seven weeks.

Treatment is given on an outpatient basis. The radiation treatment itself takes several minutes. Patients are instructed to lie on a treatment table under the radiation machine. They are monitored during treatment by a therapist in the next room who uses a closed-circuit camera. Nothing touches the skin and there is no discomfort from the treatment. Patients are not made radioactive and the treatment only affects the specific area being treated.

Side-effects of treatment may include:
1) A sunburn-type appearance of the skin in the area treated, which may include blistering
2) Mild swelling of the affected area
3) Fatigue
4) Loss of appetite

These common side effects generally occur toward the middle of treatment and continue for a short time after completion of the course of radiation treatment. Radiation skin changes may persist for months after treatment completion: change in skin color, texture and sensation.

We are very thankful, Mom is here in Texas and will be staying here to complete her treatments!