I was first diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer in March 2023. My treatment was a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I had a recurrence in June 2024 - same breast. At first it was thought the recurrence was only on the lymph nodes but after surgery - full clearance it was detected also invasive breast cancer in the area. So it was decided to have a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy on the axilla and collar bone (in 2023 I only had radiotherapy to the breast). To my surprise this plan was changed 4 weeks ago and my surgeon says mastectomy is not required as the area of recurrence had not been treated previously by the radiotherapy. I said I still wanted a mastectomy as I’m at high risk of a recurrence (I’m grade 3 and there was a recurrence 14 months after treatment) and the surgeon agreed to do it after radiotherapy. As I don’t want reconstruction, the surgeon said I could do it 2 weeks after radiotherapy. I cannot find much information of surgery after radiotherapy and none of surgery 2 weeks after radiation. Will the skin and breast tissue will be prepared to go through a surgery only 2 weeks after taking radiation. I’m so confused and uncertain of this procedure. Could you please advise?
So sorry you are going through this. I haven’t had the same experience as you but notice you havnt had any replies yet when its causing you such worry. I wonder if the surgical wounds are going to be in the area of your origional radiotherapy in 2023. The skin there will be healed by now. Your new radiotherapy is away from this?. As it is worrying you I would definitely contact both your surgeon and radiotherapist for further advice. My very best wishes going forward.
Hi Guida
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Lisa
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Hi Guida
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable you’re feeling confused and uncertain about having radiotherapy before surgery, particularly as you haven’t been able to find very much information about this.
For people with primary breast cancer, current guidelines say that people should have radiotherapy after surgery. However, studies have looked at the use of radiotherapy before surgery for people with primary breast cancer. Results of a small study showed it to be safe to have radiotherapy before surgery but that larger trials were needed.
Whilst surgery and radiotherapy may be considered as treatment for breast cancer recurrence, the type of treatment you have and the order in which it is given, will depend on the treatment you have had in the past, including areas that have been treated previously by radiotherapy. Treatment will be discussed and agreed by the multidisciplinary team
As @Galaq suggests, the best people to talk to about this are your treatment team as they will have all the information about your previous treatment and can explain in detail the reasons for the treatment they are recommending. You can contact your breast care nurse to arrange an appointment to discuss this further. They can also provide you with further information and support.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You are welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
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