Surgical Margins/ Radiation Therapy
bjstrio posted:
I went to the radiation oncologist yesterday for the first time. I was originally told by the oncologist I would require 6 weeks of radiation. The radiation oncologist said that since the margins around my cancer cells were small, he wants to do an additional week with a boost to make sure everything is clear. Does anyone know how big of margins they usually prefer?
Also, he said that the breast that will be treated will be smaller, darker, and feel different than my other breast. For those who have gone thru radiation, can you tell that it really is smaller? does it affect how a bra fits? by feeling different, does he mean just the skin? or internally like when you are feeling for lumps?
This just has me curious since I start rads on Tuesday.
Thanks,
Barbara
Also, he said that the breast that will be treated will be smaller, darker, and feel different than my other breast. For those who have gone thru radiation, can you tell that it really is smaller? does it affect how a bra fits? by feeling different, does he mean just the skin? or internally like when you are feeling for lumps?
This just has me curious since I start rads on Tuesday.
Thanks,
Barbara
9 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyI went to the radiation oncologist yesterday for the first time. I was originally told by the oncologist I would require 6 weeks of radiation. The radiation oncologist said that since the margins around my cancer cells were small, he wants to do an additional week with a boost to make sure everything is clear. Does anyone know how big of margins they usually prefer?<br />Also, he said that the breast that will be treated will be smaller, darker, and feel different than my other breast. For those who have gone thru radiation, can you tell that it really is smaller? does it affect how a bra fits? by feeling different, does he mean just the skin? or internally like when you are feeling for lumps? <br />This just has me curious since I start rads on Tuesday.<br />Thanks,<br />Barbara
Rachael67 responded:
I cannot recall the exact size of clear margins, but I do know that I did not have clear enough margins to skip the radiation. I remember it was close but no cigar! Had I had my druthers, I definitely would not have had the rads. But, given the txs vs the chance of cancer not being illiminated, I opted to go for the rads and the boost as well. (The latter, I hesitated about, but after speaking with the pathologist who had read my slides and being told that the cancer was perhaps a bit more aggrestive than I'd realized, I went along with that as well.)
(You can most likely find information regarding the margins by searching some of the net.
Wish I could recall for you, but can't.)
As for the size after rads, yes, there is a slight shrinking in that breast. It is not noticeable when clothed, but I can definitely see a difference without clothes. Not enough for a prosthetic, but selecting the right bra could make a difference when wearing tighter clothing.
I have not noticed a difference in the texture of the breast (except along the scar line which feels..like a scar!)
The only color variation I noticed was during txs when toward the end, my breast became a bit pink. (I figured that after all the times the prior months I had exposed myself, it was about time the breast blushed!!
) After txs, there was a period of time that the pink became slightly tanned. This didn't last any longer than a normal tan would after sun exposure...fading with time.
Now, please appreciate that so much depends on the individual, where the tumor lay in the breast, where the focus of the xrays will be, how you heal, etc. So, what happens to one individual is not necessarly what will happen to another. But I did want to answer you the best I could and to try and reassure you a little.
Let us know how you are doing. Okay?
Blessings.
Rachael
(You can most likely find information regarding the margins by searching some of the net.
Wish I could recall for you, but can't.)
As for the size after rads, yes, there is a slight shrinking in that breast. It is not noticeable when clothed, but I can definitely see a difference without clothes. Not enough for a prosthetic, but selecting the right bra could make a difference when wearing tighter clothing.
I have not noticed a difference in the texture of the breast (except along the scar line which feels..like a scar!)
The only color variation I noticed was during txs when toward the end, my breast became a bit pink. (I figured that after all the times the prior months I had exposed myself, it was about time the breast blushed!!
) After txs, there was a period of time that the pink became slightly tanned. This didn't last any longer than a normal tan would after sun exposure...fading with time.Now, please appreciate that so much depends on the individual, where the tumor lay in the breast, where the focus of the xrays will be, how you heal, etc. So, what happens to one individual is not necessarly what will happen to another. But I did want to answer you the best I could and to try and reassure you a little.
Let us know how you are doing. Okay?
Blessings.
Rachael
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation Therapy<b>I cannot recall the exact size of clear margins, but I do know that I did not have clear enough margins to skip the radiation. I remember it was close but no cigar! Had I had my druthers, I definitely would not have had the rads. But, given the txs vs the chance of cancer not being illiminated, I opted to go for the rads and the boost as well. (The latter, I hesitated about, but after speaking with the pathologist who had read my slides and being told that the cancer was perhaps a bit more aggrestive than I'd realized, I went along with that as well.)</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>(You can most likely find information regarding the margins by searching some of the net. </b><br /><b>Wish I could recall for you, but can't.)</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>As for the size after rads, yes, there is a slight shrinking in that breast. It is not noticeable when clothed, but I can definitely see a difference without clothes. Not enough for a prosthetic, but selecting the right bra could make a difference when wearing tighter clothing.</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>I have not noticed a difference in the texture of the breast (except along the scar line which feels..like a scar!)</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>The only color variation I noticed was during txs when toward the end, my breast became a bit pink. (I figured that after all the times the prior months I had exposed myself, it was about time the breast blushed!! <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"> ) After txs, there was a period of time that the pink became slightly tanned. This didn't last any longer than a normal tan would after sun exposure...fading with time.</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Now, please appreciate that so much depends on the individual, where the tumor lay in the breast, where the focus of the xrays will be, how you heal, etc. So, what happens to one individual is not necessarly what will happen to another. But I did want to answer you the best I could and to try and reassure you a little.</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Let us know how you are doing. Okay?</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Blessings.</b><br /><b>Rachael</b>
Thanks Rachael!
One thing I have learned with this is that everyone IS different... but just wanted a slight idea what is going to happen and how my breast might change. So I decided rather than imagining it, I would ask & see what others have noticed with theirs. By the way ... I LOVE the BLUSH humor
One thing I have learned with this is that everyone IS different... but just wanted a slight idea what is going to happen and how my breast might change. So I decided rather than imagining it, I would ask & see what others have noticed with theirs. By the way ... I LOVE the BLUSH humor
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyThanks Rachael! <br />One thing I have learned with this is that everyone IS different... but just wanted a slight idea what is going to happen and how my breast might change. So I decided rather than imagining it, I would ask & see what others have noticed with theirs. By the way ... I LOVE the BLUSH humor <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/pbpt.gif" align="top" border="0">
sadblossom responded:
Hello bjstrio,
I just finished 30 radiation treatments in January. As of right now, my breast looks near normal in skin color and texture. It 'feels' no different to me either. At the approx. 2/3 mark of treatments the skin did change color. In fact it was many colors.......red,pink.brown.grey........the skin flaked and peeled....it had some rad burns like a sun blister........but as soon as the treatments were finished it started turning back to normal. It has been near 2 months now and it looks very near normal. Now with that being said........the cancer breast is a bit smaller in size than the other one. This 'difference' is about a 'cup' smaller in size. While in a bra I can tell no difference by just 'site'. Radiation does shrink good tissue along with any cancer tissue/cells and that is the reason for the decrease in size. I also had to have 3 surgeries to get clear margins, so about 1/4 of that breast was taken in tissue in the first place. But even with all that in mind, the difference in size/form/color/texture is not anything that concerns me. Other than the size difference all other aspects are getting back to normal. And the size issue in not a marked difference for me. That breast is still very sore and tender and still has a small degree of pain from time to time even after 2 months out from treatments and a few months out from surgeries. But like I said, I had 3 surgeries on the same site and had 2 seromas, one surgically drained and one ruptured during radiation. BUT.......DO NOT let what I just mentioned worry you because for that to happen is not a usual/normal thing. The seromas came about from node removal and no drainage tubes. I had 8 nodes removed, with the surgeon believing only 4 was being taken as 4 were stuck together. This is rare but was part of my complications during radiation. Now even with all that that happend to me and all the 'reactions' I had to many local skin products, one would think I would not look no where near normal from the treatments but I do.When I stand in front of a mirror you honesty can not tell that I went thru all that at all.
My point in being so lengthly here is to tell you, do not worry about what you mentioned. I'm sure you will look just fine. You will be given jels and creams to use and please do use them as they will make it all more comfortable. Do not use deodorants unless they rad dr gives them to you or regular talc powder either.Use nothing on that breast on under that arm that the radiation staff does not give you. Do not use perfumed bath soap either. I used white Ivory for bathing. Any product with metallics in it is not allowed on the treated skin during radiation or for 2 months after. You can however use plain kitchen corn starch as bath powder. That is safe to use so stock up !! It provides more comfort than you think. I am still using it as I still have an itch on that area skin. And DO NOT scrub' the radiated area during bathing, this can cause a big OUCH. Just simply 'pat/blot' a lathered wash cloth over the area and rinse well.' You can also use 1/2 water to 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and apply with a clean/sterile squirt bottle, preferably a new bottle, in between showers. This aids in healing and in any odor that might occur. Just spray, let sit a minute or two and blot dry with clean towel.
Hope this helps and return with more questions anytime you need/want to. I will be glad to help all I can.
~Smiles.:>}
Pat~sadblossom
I just finished 30 radiation treatments in January. As of right now, my breast looks near normal in skin color and texture. It 'feels' no different to me either. At the approx. 2/3 mark of treatments the skin did change color. In fact it was many colors.......red,pink.brown.grey........the skin flaked and peeled....it had some rad burns like a sun blister........but as soon as the treatments were finished it started turning back to normal. It has been near 2 months now and it looks very near normal. Now with that being said........the cancer breast is a bit smaller in size than the other one. This 'difference' is about a 'cup' smaller in size. While in a bra I can tell no difference by just 'site'. Radiation does shrink good tissue along with any cancer tissue/cells and that is the reason for the decrease in size. I also had to have 3 surgeries to get clear margins, so about 1/4 of that breast was taken in tissue in the first place. But even with all that in mind, the difference in size/form/color/texture is not anything that concerns me. Other than the size difference all other aspects are getting back to normal. And the size issue in not a marked difference for me. That breast is still very sore and tender and still has a small degree of pain from time to time even after 2 months out from treatments and a few months out from surgeries. But like I said, I had 3 surgeries on the same site and had 2 seromas, one surgically drained and one ruptured during radiation. BUT.......DO NOT let what I just mentioned worry you because for that to happen is not a usual/normal thing. The seromas came about from node removal and no drainage tubes. I had 8 nodes removed, with the surgeon believing only 4 was being taken as 4 were stuck together. This is rare but was part of my complications during radiation. Now even with all that that happend to me and all the 'reactions' I had to many local skin products, one would think I would not look no where near normal from the treatments but I do.When I stand in front of a mirror you honesty can not tell that I went thru all that at all.
My point in being so lengthly here is to tell you, do not worry about what you mentioned. I'm sure you will look just fine. You will be given jels and creams to use and please do use them as they will make it all more comfortable. Do not use deodorants unless they rad dr gives them to you or regular talc powder either.Use nothing on that breast on under that arm that the radiation staff does not give you. Do not use perfumed bath soap either. I used white Ivory for bathing. Any product with metallics in it is not allowed on the treated skin during radiation or for 2 months after. You can however use plain kitchen corn starch as bath powder. That is safe to use so stock up !! It provides more comfort than you think. I am still using it as I still have an itch on that area skin. And DO NOT scrub' the radiated area during bathing, this can cause a big OUCH. Just simply 'pat/blot' a lathered wash cloth over the area and rinse well.' You can also use 1/2 water to 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and apply with a clean/sterile squirt bottle, preferably a new bottle, in between showers. This aids in healing and in any odor that might occur. Just spray, let sit a minute or two and blot dry with clean towel.
Hope this helps and return with more questions anytime you need/want to. I will be glad to help all I can.
~Smiles.:>}
Pat~sadblossom
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyHello bjstrio,<br />I just finished 30 radiation treatments in January. As of right now, my breast looks near normal in skin color and texture. It 'feels' no different to me either. At the approx. 2/3 mark of treatments the skin did change color. In fact it was many colors.......red,pink.brown.grey........the skin flaked and peeled....it had some rad burns like a sun blister........but as soon as the treatments were finished it started turning back to normal. It has been near 2 months now and it looks very near normal. Now with that being said........the cancer breast is a bit smaller in size than the other one. This 'difference' is about a 'cup' smaller in size. While in a bra I can tell no difference by just 'site'. Radiation does shrink good tissue along with any cancer tissue/cells and that is the reason for the decrease in size. I also had to have 3 surgeries to get clear margins, so about 1/4 of that breast was taken in tissue in the first place. But even with all that in mind, the difference in size/form/color/texture is not anything that concerns me. Other than the size difference all other aspects are getting back to normal. And the size issue in not a marked difference for me. That breast is still very sore and tender and still has a small degree of pain from time to time even after 2 months out from treatments and a few months out from surgeries. But like I said, I had 3 surgeries on the same site and had 2 seromas, one surgically drained and one ruptured during radiation. BUT.......DO NOT let what I just mentioned worry you because for that to happen is not a usual/normal thing. The seromas came about from node removal and no drainage tubes. I had 8 nodes removed, with the surgeon believing only 4 was being taken as 4 were stuck together. This is rare but was part of my complications during radiation. Now even with all that that happend to me and all the 'reactions' I had to many local skin products, one would think I would not look no where near normal from the treatments but I do.When I stand in front of a mirror you honesty can not tell that I went thru all that at all.<br />My point in being so lengthly here is to tell you, do not worry about what you mentioned. I'm sure you will look just fine. You will be given jels and creams to use and please do use them as they will make it all more comfortable. Do not use deodorants unless they rad dr gives them to you or regular talc powder either.Use nothing on that breast on under that arm that the radiation staff does not give you. Do not use perfumed bath soap either. I used white Ivory for bathing. Any product with metallics in it is not allowed on the treated skin during radiation or for 2 months after. You can however use plain kitchen corn starch as bath powder. That is safe to use so stock up !! It provides more comfort than you think. I am still using it as I still have an itch on that area skin. And DO NOT scrub' the radiated area during bathing, this can cause a big OUCH. Just simply 'pat/blot' a lathered wash cloth over the area and rinse well.' You can also use 1/2 water to 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and apply with a clean/sterile squirt bottle, preferably a new bottle, in between showers. This aids in healing and in any odor that might occur. Just spray, let sit a minute or two and blot dry with clean towel. <br />Hope this helps and return with more questions anytime you need/want to. I will be glad to help all I can.<br />~Smiles.:>}<br />Pat~sadblossom
sadblossom responded:
Oh yes, on the boosts............they were a breeze for me. No problems at all. In fact that area healed and returned to normal first. I couldn't even tell I had them done.
Pat~sadblossom
Pat~sadblossom
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyOh yes, on the boosts............they were a breeze for me. No problems at all. In fact that area healed and returned to normal first. I couldn't even tell I had them done.<br /> <br />Pat~sadblossom
bjstrio replied to sadblossom's response:
Thanks Pat for all the information. I will stock up this week on the cornstarch and peroxide...always handy to have around anyway.
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyThanks Pat for all the information. I will stock up this week on the cornstarch and peroxide...always handy to have around anyway.
katst responded:
First off let me state that I'm assuming that results vary for each indivdual. I can only tell you about my experience. After the lumpectomy my breast was about 1/2 cup size different than the "good" one. After radiation the breast continued to shrink for over a year until it was approx 1 cup size different. The breast itself feels lighter in weight and there is decreased fullness on the top. The only difference I noticed in detecting lumps was around the incision line which hads hardened scar tissue. The skin on the radiated side has broken capillaries and the pores also appear larger. As far as a bra fitting, you can use a prosthetis to "even" every thing out. They come in all different shapes,sizes and weights. Many of my friends forego the prostetic and just wear the sports bras since they stretch to fit the breast. I prefer a regular bra. I just make sure it fits the fuller side and fill in the other side.
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyFirst off let me state that I'm assuming that results vary for each indivdual. I can only tell you about my experience. After the lumpectomy my breast was about 1/2 cup size different than the "good" one. After radiation the breast continued to shrink for over a year until it was approx 1 cup size different. The breast itself feels lighter in weight and there is decreased fullness on the top. The only difference I noticed in detecting lumps was around the incision line which hads hardened scar tissue. The skin on the radiated side has broken capillaries and the pores also appear larger. As far as a bra fitting, you can use a prosthetis to "even" every thing out. They come in all different shapes,sizes and weights. Many of my friends forego the prostetic and just wear the sports bras since they stretch to fit the breast. I prefer a regular bra. I just make sure it fits the fuller side and fill in the other side.
sadblossom replied to katst's response:
Well we learn something new all the time. I had no idea it was possible that the breast could keep shrinking for some. I appreciate that info. Otherwise if that were to happen to me I would be afraid something else was going wrong. Mine is lighter in weight also. I thought it was due to so much tissue being removed. My tumor was on the underside on my breast so no scar shows 'on site' but the underside on that breast is pretty much gone now from the surgeries I thought but may be from the rads too. This is all good info to know.
Thank you katst !
~Smile.:>}
Pat~sadblossom
Thank you katst !
~Smile.:>}
Pat~sadblossom
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyWell we learn something new all the time. I had no idea it was possible that the breast could keep shrinking for some. I appreciate that info. Otherwise if that were to happen to me I would be afraid something else was going wrong. Mine is lighter in weight also. I thought it was due to so much tissue being removed. My tumor was on the underside on my breast so no scar shows 'on site' but the underside on that breast is pretty much gone now from the surgeries I thought but may be from the rads too. This is all good info to know.<br />Thank you katst !<br />~Smile.:>}<br />Pat~sadblossom
jlp2778 replied to sadblossom's response:
Hi there. My mom is a 10 year IDC breast cancer survivor. She was treated with lumpectomy/rads/hormone therapy. She recently noticed the treated breast has shrunk in size. Could this be a late side effect of radiation all those years ago? She had a normal mammogram last week. I am worried this could be a new problem. Any ideas?? Thanks!
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyHi there. My mom is a 10 year IDC breast cancer survivor. She was treated with lumpectomy/rads/hormone therapy. She recently noticed the treated breast has shrunk in size. Could this be a late side effect of radiation all those years ago? She had a normal mammogram last week. I am worried this could be a new problem. Any ideas?? Thanks!
sadblossom replied to jlp2778's response:
I can tell you what I know from what I have experienced. I had my rad treatments 1 1/2 yrs ago. And yes the treated breast has become smaller in size. It did this gradually but is smaller than it was 6 months ago even.It has thickening of the skin also. The dr's show no concern over this as is suppose to be expected with radiation. She has no skin thickening? I am still getting mammos every 6 months. And I think the hormone therapy can affect the breast also. I can not speak for a 10 yr out patient but I do know radiation can cause shrinkage and did for most that had rad treatments. If her mammo read normal then I assume the dr examined her breast as well? Or was it a mobile unit that just mailed her a report? Due to the time span involved if she was not examined by her doctor at the time of her mammo, I would take her in and have her examined.To be on the safe side. I would think this is ok and a side effect BUT the time span could cause concern if she was not seen.
Hope this helps and please let us know.
Pat~sadblossom
Hope this helps and please let us know.
Pat~sadblossom
Report This| Share this:Surgical Margins/ Radiation TherapyI can tell you what I know from what I have experienced. I had my rad treatments 1 1/2 yrs ago. And yes the treated breast has become smaller in size. It did this gradually but is smaller than it was 6 months ago even.It has thickening of the skin also. The dr's show no concern over this as is suppose to be expected with radiation. She has no skin thickening? I am still getting mammos every 6 months. And I think the hormone therapy can affect the breast also. I can not speak for a 10 yr out patient but I do know radiation can cause shrinkage and did for most that had rad treatments. If her mammo read normal then I assume the dr examined her breast as well? Or was it a mobile unit that just mailed her a report? Due to the time span involved if she was not examined by her doctor at the time of her mammo, I would take her in and have her examined.To be on the safe side. I would think this is ok and a side effect BUT the time span could cause concern if she was not seen.<br />Hope this helps and please let us know.<br />Pat~sadblossom
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