Why Does My Radiologist Recommend Whole Breast Radiation?

Like you I was Stage 1 and needed 2 lumpectomies. I think they want to radiatesl the entire breast because sometimes the tumor sheds and it's undetectable. Radiating the entire breast will hopefully eliminate any residual breast cancer recurrences. I would recommend checking with your radiation oncologist, though. You should understand the reason for recommended treatments.

My radiation is complete, no problems til I was in my last 5 visits, I'm getting burnt at the underneath side of breast right where the bra lands. Radiologist says it will get worst over next 2 weeks .if I dont wear bra I get sweaty and makes it burn more, if I wear bra I have to put gauze between skin and bra. I've tried 3 different creams non are relieving the burning feeling, the cream he wanted me to use I can't I'm allergic. Any suggestions it's really hurting.the thing I'm noticing more is my nipple is so sensitive it hurts

Hi Susan, I can speak to experience with this about six years ago, and as you get to the last of the treatments it it will continue to burn, but what is really cool is that as soon as the treatment  is complete, you truly will start to heal and you will be surprised how quickly it starts feeling better or at least I hope that is your experience. I also used Aquaphor.  I know the Aquaphor didn’t take away all of the pain  but it did help with rubbing against material. I also used a little breast milk, insert pads, so it didn’t get as much on my bra.  I am going through a whole new scenario now but I do wish you the very best and hope you receive some comfort and really very soon!!!  you are almost done and you are doing great!!!!!

For soft barriers between skin/ nipples and bra/clothing, I used cut up pieces of pillow case or Telfa pads.

Did you ever get answers as to why he wanted whole breast vs partial? To get partial the surgeon has to put in a marker when he does your lumpectomy. So you pretty much have to have that plan in place before surgery. I had that but then I had to have a re-excision and they took the marker out and didn't put a new one in. I was not a happy camper. My radiologist then said I had lymphovascular involvement so I was no longer a candidate for partial breast anyway. She wanted 20 sessions in 28 days and I knew I couldn't handle that so I went back in and had the mastectomy and no radiation.

This is such a common concern, and it's completely understandable to want clarity about your radiation treatment plan. The decision between whole breast and partial breast radiation depends on many factors specific to your individual case, including the location and characteristics of the DCIS and the surgical results. Your radiation oncologist is weighing these details along with current treatment guidelines when making their recommendation. Have you had a chance to ask your radiation oncologist to explain the specific reasons they feel whole breast radiation would be most beneficial for your particular situation?