Side Effects of Mammosite Radiation Therapy
Comments
-
It's so good to hear that the pain I'm experiencing is a side effect. My surgery was done July 27, 2010. I've had fluid drawn out twice but my surgeon told me that could happen. I still have redness in an area, and the shooting pains come and go. Right now, I'm having a throbbing (but bearable) pain which asprin handles. The radiologist in November saw the redness and put me on 7 days of antibotics but that didn't help. I go back for another appointment mid-February. I think the redness is caused by the radiation but the doc didn't agree. Thank you ladies for letting me know about your experiences. I've read your comments a number of times but decided I should thank you for helping to ease my mind.
0 -
Hi Everybody:
I am directing this comment specifically to badgolfer and anybody else who has had mammosite surgery in the past recent months. Everything you are experiencing is the same thing I experienced almost five years ago when I had my lumpectomy and mammosite. Ladies, this blog is for everyone to read and study and to get what you need from all the comments. I had the redness and fluid-filled cysts and drainage and according to my radiation oncologist this is all what can occur from mammosite. This is the chance we take when we decide to use mammosite. This type of procedure for many of us does not go away altogether. A lot of us continue to suffer periodically with pain, cysts, redness, etc. I was recently put on a med for lykens sclerosis which means dry vagina and my boobs are causing me pain and I was told it was a side effect. So, check out your meds. No matter how bad it sometimes gets, I am still a proud BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR and so are you!!! WE ARE ALIVE!!!
0 -
Well, I have my appt with my surgeon this Friday, 1/28, to follow up on the seroma in my left breast. It seems to have changed from fluid/moveable to a solid mass. Needless to say, I am more than anxious. I was pleased that when I scheduled my appt my surgeon already had received a report from my radiation oncologist. Please keep me in your prayers -
0 -
I feel guilty saying I'm a cancer survivor because I haven't had to go through anything compared to some of my friends who didn't have lumpectomy and mammosite for an option.
0 -
Dear badgolfer - I can relate to what you have just posted. Prior to my mammosite treatment I told a co-worker who had gone through - and is still going through - a lot with her breast cancer I didn't feel I had the right to wear pink. When I came back to work after my treatments she had put a post-it on my desk saying "think pink - you've earned it". We have all gone through 'the fight' and have come through stronger in many ways. We have been fortunate to have been qualified for the mammosite treatment, but it doesn't mean our journey has taken less of a toll on us. I was quite thankful for BosomBuddyJ's comment today because I think those of us who have gone through the lumpectomy and mammosite treatments do need to be reminded we are breast cancer survivors and we are so blessed to have had the cancer found early and to be alive and able to provide support and encouragement to each other. Think pink!
0 -
Dear jingram 4868 and BusomBuddy Judy - thank you.
I was 66 and about to retire when a co-worker pushed me to have a mammogram (hadn't had one in 9 years). Got the results, had a a second one followed by a biopsy. Surgeon (she's a survivor and is the absolute best in this region) said it was found a good two years before I would have felt a lump. I believe there must still be things for me to accomplish in this life - I just need to find a way to get the message to others like me who never thought it would happen to them. I guess I needed permission to call myself a survivor, so thank you both. I AM a breast cancer survivor!
0 -
My lumpectomy was done in July 2007 and mammosite followed immediately. I experience the same side effects as reported on this site. I am a migraine sufferer and I take Imitrex for the pain and I have noticed that my affected breast reacts to this medication with pain. The breast is a reminder of what we have been through and how grateful we should be that our tests are clear and we are cancer free and alive.
0 -
I went to the surgeon yesterday and had my seroma aspirated. Thankfully, I had taken a vicodin before my appt in order to make sure it was in full effect before anything was done. My surgeon was quite straight forward, and stated she was not as enthused with the mammosite procedure now as when it first came out, due to the side affects. She said now that the procedure has been in action for a longer period of time the side affects can be more knowledgeably presented. She was saying patients may well still choose the mammosite, but their decision will be more informed. She did say the redness we mammosite patients experience is minimal to that of full breast radiation patients. She said in full breast radiation the entire breast can turn red and hard. We are pretty much taking a wait and see approach right now. I did feel the immediate relief, noted by others previously, and it was nice getting up this morning without hardness in my chest. We are waiting to see how quickly the fluid builds up again, and how much. I'm 'willing' to go through the aspiration a couple of times but after that I'm going to take the 'permanent' approach and have the cavity surgically removed, which was also discussed in my appt yesterday. Hopefully, that will be down the road a bit.
0 -
Hi jingram 4868:
So glad you are feeling better. I relate completely with you. I had my first cyst aspirated shortly after I had mammosite almost five years ago and the cyst filled up again one and a half months later! I was shocked! My radiologist told me that was very natural and if he drained it again, it could also come back. He did tell me that if he surgicallly removed the sac, it could grow back. So, be very careful what you do in the future. Nothing is "permanent." As I stated before to those that have been on this blog for awhile. I currently have two cysts the size and consistency of marbles in my breast right next to the lumpectomy scar and I am doing nothing with them unless they become cancerous. They tend to flare up from time to time, but that is the chance I took when I had mammosite. A lot of good breast surgeons are seriously looking at mammosite and preferring not to do it as readily as they have. They are finding what is happening to many of us. I know this because I counsel breast cancer patients facing surgery and they tell me their doctors are opting out. I have heard this recently from two of my patients and two breast cancer surgeons. I personally don't know anybody that has had mammosite that is without some kind of side effect. I have a gal friend that has the same thing I have and she had surgery two years after me. If anyone can find stats on mammosite side effects, I would be glad to hear about them. What about people you know that had mammosite?
0 -
complications... tube burst in my breast, they replaced it. when taking out tube, my skin healed and it was the worse pain you can imagine. I almost blacked out. two weeks out where the nodes were, fluid backed up (seroma) and was drained. Results.. wonderful. i had one week of radiation, not concerned about the radiation over my heart (left breast had BC)... and no other side effects.
the women who did it the regular way have a long series of complications as well. To me it depends on the surgeon, how good he is, and the person themselves. i heal quickly so the tube insertion was more of an issue with me. the woman before me who was doing it at the same time as I, had no pain at all when they took the tube out. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mammosite... for me it worked great.
0 -
I had my final Contura procedure (balloon similar to Mammosite) on August 31, 2010. I had my six-month ultra sound from date of DX in late December 2010. The US showed NED, and a small fluid-filled seroma in the cavity. I have had no problem with the Contura procedure and SEs. I understood the possibility of seromas forming before I had the procedure, and compared that to the SEs that I had seen on the board from the 33-week radiation and decided to go with the Contura.
I had a couple of days with some pain at the end of the procedure, but at nearly five months out am satisfied I made the right choice and would do it again.
One thing I would stress is that one should research one's radiologist and make sure he/she is fully experienced in these Partial Breast Irradiation procedures. My radiologist was a pioneer in these procedures.. My breast surgeon is known as one of the best in the area and is the one who implanted the balloon device.
0 -
I had external beam whole breast radiation. The side effects were:
1. skin -- turned pink or tan in treatment area. Dry peeling in the boost area. Almost normal by a few weeks and no problems in the long run.
2. fatigue -- my energy levels were lower than normal in the last 3 weeks of treatment and 1 week following treatment. I worked through the whole treatment time.
No red. No hard. The seroma from surgery went away. That's it. Some people have it worse, but I think I was within the norms.
0 -
Hi everyone
I haven't read this entire thread, so forgive me if I am being repetitive. I finished traditional rads x30 13 months ago and my breast is still sore. I only notice it if I lean on it, or am doing a breast exam. Per my BS, this may last forever. According to my new onc, I could do manual massage to break up any scar tissue. I feels a little too sensitive for me to want to do that... Sorry if I am on the wrong thread as well. I am IDC not DCIS. My best to you all.
0 -
Hi Everyone:
Thank you to everyone who responded to me. I am so happy to hear what other people have gone through especially the people who have had the more up-to-date mammosite therapies. I believe it is all in the attitude of who we are and what we are willing to accept. I was glad to hear from some of the people who opted for the full radiation. What this shows me is that radiation itself is the ultimate cause of what happens or doesn't happen to us once we've experienced it. Most of us experience drying skin and extensive fatigue and that is something we have no control over. But, for the most part most of us are happy and accepting and ALIVE!!!!
0 -
Hi Girls! I have never seen this thread before, & I had created one called "MammoSite Device" in Dec. 2009....I'm 73, and my latest mammogram in Sept. 2009 found the "spot"....Needless to say, I never thought I would ever get cancer...not at MY age....But now I thank God, that I did it, got through it, and that I was much older to go through this. I feel so bad for you young gals, with little kids....
The MammoSite Device wasn't exactly fun, and the infection around the tubes hanging out, AND the infected place from all the tape, made this a little un-comfortable!
But the antibiotics helped with that, and the short time we HAVE that thing, really helped. I would do it all again...with the Device if I had to! My Seroma gets smaller every time I have another mammogram! That plate flattens it to death! So it's almost gone. And I've been told a seroma is pretty common...a hematoma is a pocket filled with blood, which is worse. And yes, massaging does help the ridges under your arm....I just slather on my cream & I think it makes it feel better.
And yes, I AM happy & thankful that is all behind us! We DID it! Now to just get through 4 more years of Tamoxifen!
0 -
I've been meaning to read through this thread for sometime. Before reading your experiences, I had pretty much thought that a mammosite was the easy way out...at least it seems better than getting the whole breast radiated. I was dx Jan 7th of this year with stage 1, IDC. I had 2 other dcis cancers a few years back. The cancer I have now is in the good breast.
My oncologist has recommended a mammosite. Before seeing the rad doctor, I decided first I would read through this thread, and do a little research. I briefly looked at mammostes information a few years back, and discovered for selfpaying it was way too expensive. I'm insured now so money is no longer a factor. This thread has helped me make the decision not to do a mammosite. I question if putting a radioactive seed in my breast it would effect the heart or lungs...left breast.
Thanks for your honesty and for this tread. It's good that everyone knows what they are getting into before making a decision.
0 -
Dear evebarry,
I went for my 6-month check up with the radiologist yesterday. I told her that this blog had helped put my mind at ease because I discovered I'm experiencing similar symptoms to others who opted for mammosite. She reminded me that there are thousands of women who have had this procedure and that most have not experienced long-term side effects. She asked me if I would still go with the mammosite if I had it to do over.....Yes, I would. In my mind, it was the least traumatic choice and I'm glad I went with it.
The little uncomfortable pain I feel once in a while and the hardness in the area are nothing compared to what might have been. Miracles do happen and I consider myself lucky to have these little reminders of the miracle that happened to me.
Good luck - I'm sure you will make the right choice for you.
0 -
Badgolfer, you have said it all!!! Thank you. I feel the same way. Today I am celebrating another wonderful birthday and I am truly thankful to be here and the people that truly care about me have all been honoring me for over a week now. If you have to go through breast cancer and you are willing to take chances, mammosite is the correct choice. If you are not a candidate for mammosite, that must be the best radiation for your particular diagnosis.
0 -
eveberry and everyone, Thought I would join in to say how comfortable I still am with my decision to go with MammoSite after my lumpectomy last August. This past Wednesday was my first mammogram since and I got the ALL CLEAR. I go for my visit to the Rad Onc next Tuesday, but I know all is well. I would most certainly do everything the same way if presented with the same diagnosis. I do feel I was very lucky to not only qualify for MammoSite, but to have such a great group of professionals to take care of me. I am slowly accepting that breast cancer has changed my identity and am embracing this new part of who I am. God bless you as you make your choices.
0 -
Happy Birthday to Judy! Have a wonderful happy and healthy year and thank you for all your efforts to find the cure. Also congratulations to IrishinNC on your cancer free mammo; keep up the good work ladies.
0 -
Hi ladies,
I have posted earlier about my dismay at the lack of information given me vs. what actually happens. I am now 3 and 1/2 yrs. from my surgeries and the Mammosite radiation that followed. I continue to have fluid aspirated and after all this time - the pain is still something I have to live with (breast pain and my ribcage pain). Now, after seeing my wonderful Oncologist all this time - it's being suggested that I have my breast removed and have reconstruction. I had early stage cancer (small) and had to have two surgeries since my first didn't show clear margins. My major problem was NO medical professional answered my numerous questions and gave me accurate information about what would follow with this Mammosite radiation. I stilll have a very painful ping-pong size seroma (a natural effect of the interior burning that takes place when that baloon catheter burns all the tissue surrounding it). Not a soul told me - even though I asked. Now I have to choose to be in pain for the rest of my life or go through a mastectomy and re-construction surgery. If I can help just one other woman avoid this Mammosite radiation I will have a good feeling. Do topical radiation ladies. My radiologist (who has done all the aspirations of fluid build-up) was really shocked that nobody told me about the results. I now have a hard-crusted seroma that always is painful. Other women are the best souce of information and I hope nobody else experienced what I did. For someone who had a tiny lesion I am now disfigured and in constant pain. Hope nobody experienced this.
0 -
Jerre -
When I saw my surgeon in January for an aspiration, she told me I could have the sack from the Mammosite surgically removed - no mastectomy. If you would like her contact information I would gladly provided it to you, even if it is a phone consultation. I have all the faith in the world in her and she is the Chief of Surgery at our regional medical center. If no cancer is present I don't understand the suggestion of a mastectomy. I sure wouldn't rush into any decision.
Don't know if this helps - I hope so.
0 -
Hello Jerre and JIngram:
THank you both for your comments. I haven't posted here in a long time but do keep up with the developments. I was first diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS breast cancer in October 2007 in both breasts, which in some medical circles is considered pre-cancerous (Stage 0). I had lumpectomies and mammosite in both breasts. THe opening for the mammosite in the left breast was very tight. As a result, I have a hot, burned area and a seroma in the left breast. I have been fortunate in that neither are painful.
In retrospect, I would not do any radiation therapy. This is Stage 0 we are talking about. I would certainly question the need for a mastestecomy and reconstruction. Have you tried physical therapy or massage therapy for the painful seroma? There may be other alternative therpaies available. I know that many women have had no problems with mastectomies and reconstruction, but there are others who have horror stories. Thank you for bringing your story to our attention. I think the medical profession doesn't provide us with the information we need to make informed decisions and over treats us. Then we are left with even more problems to deal with.
0 -
Jerre, jingram,BarbaraB and everyone else:
Great blogging. Jerre, do not have an unnecessary mastectomy and radiation. Is this doctor crazy? I am so glad jingram and BarbaraB responded as they did. Jerre, you must read all our comments on this blog and based on the info, you can see that most of us who have had mammosite have experienced some form of pain or discomfort. You are not deformed, just carrying a little more than you had hoped. I asked all the questions because nobody told me anything. I got the best info from my radiation oncologist who is world famous, but a real genuine down to earth doctor. Jingram, do not have the sac removed. It can grow back and fill up again. I asked and the doctor told me. I had my first cyst aspirated and within a month and a half, the fluid filled up again. This is for Jerre -- I now have two fluid-filled cysts the size and consistency of marbles!!! They are non-malignant. That is the key word!!! Doctor asked me if I could live with them and the pain they cause if I knew they were non-malignant and I have said yes. I am now in my fifth year since mammosite. Depending on what I am experiencing in my life at the time, my cysts react accordingly. We are all fortunate that we had the opportunity to experience mammosite and are survivors, whereas just over six years ago this wasn't available. I still wouldn't want full radiation, because you really don't know the long-term damage all that radiation can cause. We know what mammosite can leave us with and we need to be thankful and accept it. Some of us are suffering more than others and I believe that is the fault of the way the doctor performed the mammosite. I know this because I counsel breast cancer patients and they share their stories with me. This also can apply to how a doctor does a lumpectomy. Some chop and others carve. My final word for the ladies suffering extreme pain is to massage your breast and also start lifting weights. I wish everyone good health.
0 -
I was well aware of the possibility of the seroma side effect before I had the Contura procedure. I am six-months out from my rads, and having no problems at all. When I had an ultrasound in December, it showed there but hasn't troubled me. I would do the accelerated treatment again...five days instead of 33 with the need to pay five co-pays instead of 33...yeah, that worked for me.
It may be the Contura balloon is less inclined to "burn" the breast tissue since it is different from the Mammosite. I suggest that anyone considering the five-day treatment research it thoroughly. Here is a link to the Contura appliance.
0 -
Sure enjoyed your comment about massaging the breast and lifting weights. My husband and I recently joined a gym and exercising with weights is part of the training. Hopefully, the pain in my breast will be reduced along with the size of my body!
0 -
Jingram4868 & bad golfer. Thank you for your post about your feelings. I too have had a relatively smooth journey, although the jury is still out on chemo. Waiting on the onco test results. But, my lumpectomy and Mammosite went smoothly and successfully compared to the longer more involved journeys of two fellow coworkers that I feel somewhat less worthy of the abundant support I am receiving. Your words help me remember that "yes, I too had cancer and I can feel joy in surviving". Thank you.
0 -
This is the second time I have experienced real pain since my mammosite four years ago. My surgeon says it will pas, not much help. I think that recent weight gain and a bad bra while exercising have brought this on. I had to quit exercises that made my breasts bounce! I am glad to read your blogs, I was afraid the cancer had come back and didn't want to go back to my surgeon because he basically tells me to live with it. I am barely using that arm, hoping that it will return to painless days soon, do any of you recommend a pain medication that helps releive the pain?
0 -
Very sorry for all of you who have had such pain and discomfort following the Mamosite.
I chose Mamosite 3 years ago and I would do it again if I had a recurrance or new primary as a matter of fact I would be terribly disappointed if I couldn't. I did have a 3cm seroma that after appx a year was reabsorbed. I appreciated the short period of time it took because I would have had problems with traveling for tx's. I feel that all of the treatments for BC are riddled with SE that we may or may not experience, seems to be the luck of the draw.
0 -
This is for Prit 50 and anybody else experiencing what she is. First of all, I think weight gain plays a lot into our breast cancer responses. We have to keep our bodies as fit as we can. Your problem with not wanting to lift can be corrected by lifting weights evenly. You can start with less weight and gradually start lifting heavier weights until you feel a "balance." It's one of the best things I can do for myself. I'm still having trouble with breast pain caused now by having to take a prednisone-type drug for over six weeks. I have become so sore in my breast just from taking the drug. So, before you start suspecting what's going on in your breasts, check your meds and see if they could be affecting you. Can't wait to get off this drug.
0
