A Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
RADIATION THERAPY
In most cases, a lumpectomy is followed by radiation therapy. High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells that might still be present in the breast tissue.
In standard therapy, a machine delivers radiation to the breast and in some cases to the lymph nodes in the armpit. The usual schedule for radiation therapy is 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.
Sometimes a "boost" or higher dose of radiation is given to the area where the cancer was found.
During treatment planning, your chest area will be marked with ink or with a few long-lasting tattoos. These marks need to stay on your skin during the entire treatment period. They mark where the radiation is aimed.
Possible problems: Side effects may include feeling more tired than usual and skin irritations, such as itchiness, redness, soreness, peeling, darkening, or shininess of the breast. Radiation to the breast DOES NOT cause hair loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. Long-term changes may include changes in the shape and color of the treated breast, spider veins, and heaviness of the breast.
Radiation after Mastectomy
There are times when radiation will be suggested after a mastectomy. It is suggested if:
- The tumor is larger than five centimeters or 2 inches.
- Cancer is in many lymph nodes in the armpit.
- The tumor is close to the rib cage or chest wall muscles.
Thoughts to Remember about Radiation Therapy
- You often will be alone in a room, but your radiation therapist can hear you and see you on a television screen.
- The treatment lasts a few minutes. You will not feel anything.
- The radiation is delivered to a small area-your treated breast.
- You are NOT radioactive during or after your therapy.
- You CAN hug, kiss, or make love as you did before your therapy.
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