repeat of radiation probable?

[winner]

Hello and THANK YOU for a wonderful service to all. You are offering a priceless avenue for many.
I have breast cancer Stage III-a. Had previously had a lumpectomy and was treated with local radiation. Chemo forthcoming as I am 2 weeks post surgery. Question will they be able to repeat radiation after this chemo? Thank you.

[annette27]

A related discussion, breat reconstruction after a lumpectomy and radiation done 25 years ago and cancer came back at same place was started.

[annette27]

A related discussion, pain and walking after breast reconstruction was started.

[winner]

Thank you for your responses. Sorry for the confusion. I had a lumpectomy 11 years ago,margins clean. No further treatment at that time. Jan 2003-recurrent cancer same breast. A second lumpectomy with local radiation. Another tumor developed and this dictated the mastectemy. Awaiting conference with medical oncologist. Just wondering if they would complete the radiation or start the chemo. Thank you again.

[surgeon]

Can you clarify the situation? Are you referring to a recurrance within a breast previously treated by lumpectomy and radiation? Or did you have limited radiation prior to removing the cancer (which would be unusual.) In general, it's not possible to treat a breast which has had prior radiation with additional radiation: tissues can tolerate only so much radiation, and usually initial treatment gives the maximum dose. However, your question suggests you may be talking about completing initial treatment, in which case if you haven't yet received a full dose, it would be expected that the dosage would be completed. I think it would help to answer your question if you clarify the treatment you have received and if it's all part of the initial diagnosis.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear winner:  If you had radiation to this breast before, it is likely that you will not be able to have radiation to this area in the future.  Each part of the body has a lifetime maximum dose associated with it.  In giving therapuetic radiation therapy, it is customary to give the lifetime maximum dose.