Can anyone please answer a question about breast cancer and radiotherapy?

[FoxyRevenger]

So, MIL had a lump removed after it was found at a routine mammogram.

According to her it was tiny; it was removed along with biopsy (I think?) of lymph nodes and she is completely clear.

She is having 20 sessions of radiotherapy over 4 weeks to catch any remaining cells that might be left.

Does that sound right? She is very very private and doesn't want to talk about anything, let alone this, and I have a sneaking suspicion there is more going on than she is saying. Although obviously I haven't said as much to DH.

So does that sound about right - 20 sessions of radiotherapy just as a safety net?

Thanks.

[reallyreallyworried]

Hi.

Yes that could be right. Depending on whether her cancer was hormone positive she might need hormone treatment. But if it wasn't then yes radiotherapy could be the last of her treatment.

I was diagnosed at the beginning of August and originally was going to follow the same route as your MIL, plus hormone therapy for 5years. But because the cancer was found in my nodes and because of my age. I now need Chemo.

Wishing you and your family all the best. She's lucky to have a family who care so much. Xx

[MomOfTwoGirls2]

That is pretty much standard procedure for small lumps with clear lymph nodes.

[GobbySadcase]

It does sound plausible

[Roshbegosh]

I am not an expert but these days I believe lots of short bursts of radiotherapy are considered preferable to fewer, longer sessions. I believe it allows the body (ie normal tissue) more recovery time so the side effects are not so bad. Yes, it does sound reasonable as a safety net.

[firsttimemama]

This was the treatment for my Mum when she got her breast cancer aged 65. Best Wishes to your MIL.

[FoxyRevenger]

Oh, so she may not be being sneaky!

That's good to hear, thanks everyone.

[LIZS]

My dm had similar diagnosis earlier this year and yes lumpectomy followed by 3 - 4 weeks radio sounds familiar. She also has a drug to take for 5 years.

[CMOTDibbler]

Thats totally normal. All women who have tumour removed (rather than the whole breast) need radiotherapy to their whole breast - in some cases just part can be treated, but its not commonly offered in the UK- to mop up any tumour cells lurking around

[kitkat1967]

Yes sounds right to me. My DM had the same course of treatment 3 years ago. BTW - DM was 70 and had rads every other day for 3 weeks.
I have BC now - less aggressive and more friendly (!!) type then DM but am having chemo because of my age (however do not need radiotherapy). So as well as type and stage of cancer age has a significant bearing on treatmnet plan.