Radiation Oncologist Consultation

Photo: Bodega Bay winter sunset



Ron and I had a long and informative visit with the radiation oncologist. Basically they irradiate any remaining breast tissue to kill any remaining cancer cells that maybe left hanging around. And the rest of the healthy cells also get blasted, this results in scarring of the blood vessels and tissue. Plus a host of other short term side effects and longer side effects. In reading extensively, one seems to putting other areas of the body at risk (remember radiation increases the risk of cancer by causes cell mutation ). "Internal scatter" results from the radiation that is directed at the breast area, part of the lung gets treated as well as the heart. The heart is in very close proximity as it lies directly behind my left breast, which the one having all this "wonderful attention".

In addition, after the surgery of a lumpectomy also known as a partial mastectomy, they will take wide margins of breast tissue which would basically delete most of my breast. I have smaller breasts, therefore, there is less breast tissue to "play" with. To have radiation to "save" the rest of my breast seems, well, kinda ridiculous. (Save some breast tissue to potentially jeopardise other parts of your body - nah, don't think so.

But of more significance, are the statistics from the medical studies which show that radiation in younger women actually can make little difference in lessening the recurrence of the cancer. One French study showed a recurrence rate of 36% for lumpectomy alone and 33% recurrence for surgery and radiation. Mastectomy has a recurrence of 1.8%.

Risk tolerance. What's your risk tolerance.

Even though they say the 5 year survival rate (yes - if you live 5 years you are a success even if you die the day after, you would still be included in the statistics as a winner.) is no different between the different Western medical treatment options the amount of invasive therapy to keep you alive is alot more if there is recurrence.

My goal is stay alive and healthy with as little Western medical intervention as possible.

Remember, I'll still be wholistic even with one breast ;)