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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
How much is too much??
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
How much is too much??
by Mccar2, Mar 02, 2003 12:00AM
I have currently received 28 treatments of Radiation therapy to my breast,and I am very burned under my arm as well blistering on my breast and burned under the breast. I have the creams prescribed and am using them. I still have 7 boosters to go to a smaller area on my breast, nipple included. Is this a proper reaction? Because, if it isn't, why does the Dr. persist? Please keep in mind, that I am NOT fair skinned, but of an olive tone. My breast cancer diagnostics, 1.4 cm. tumor(well-differentiated of a tubular nature, but not tubular in itself) removed, sentinel node biopsy negative, ER PR positive , and currently taking Fareston. Thank you in advance for your comments.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Mar 03, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Mccar2: Radiation treatments are prescribed based on the total possible dose that the intended tissue, in this case the breast, can tolerate. This is precisely calculated by physicists so that the beams can be properly aimed. The effects of radiation therapy have nothing to do with skin tone. Remember this is radiation, not sun. Some people have more severe reactions than others. You should discuss this with your radiation oncologist but this is likely the way you react.
The effective amount of radiation has been determined by many studies over many years. Whereas it's not possible to specify for each individual, it's known that for the groups of people studied, stopping the dose too soon will lead to a higher percentage of recurrances. So it's felt that it's very important to receive the full dose; and the boost. The boost doses you will receive will not hit the underarm and undersurface. The main thing is to be sure the radiation doctor, and not just the techs who give the doses, is aware of your skin situation. Sometimes a pause can be arranged. In rare cases, the dose is abbreviated.