After Your Breast Cancer Consultation in Radiation Oncology
At this point, you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, confused, and a wide range of other emotions. We hope that your visit helped dispel some of those fears. You will next need to decide which type of breast radiation treatment is right for you.
Radiation Therapy
The purpose of radiation is to kill any of the cancer cells that remain after surgery. It may lessen the chance of breast cancer returning. Below are the two methods of treating breast cancer using radiation. We believe them to be equal in effectiveness.
|
|
How it is given |
Treatment Schedule |
Side Effects |
Benefits |
|
External Beam Radiation |
High intensity x-rays are directed at the whole breast. |
Once a day (15 minutes) for 4 to 6 weeks. |
Skin reaction (like a sunburn).
Fatigue. |
Less invasive.
Used for many years. |
|
Breast Brachytherapy |
Catheter(s) are placed into the breast in and around the area where the tumor was located. A radiation substance is instilled through the catheters during the treatments. |
Twice a day (45 – 60 minute sessions) for 5 days. |
Mild to moderate discomfort from the catheter(s) (these are left in place throughout the treatment period).
Minimal skin reaction. |
Radiation is given closer to the cancer, sparing healthy tissue.
Faster recovery. |
When you have made your decision, please call your radiation oncology doctor.
External Beam Radiation – A planning Computerized Tomography (CAT) scan is scheduled. This scan is performed in the radiotherapy clinic.
Breast Brachytherapy – A planning session will be scheduled. This is a series of three tests that help the doctor decide if you are a candidate for this type of treatment.
- Mammogram done in the UW Breast Center – post lumpectomy mammogram.
- Ultrasound done in the UW Breast Center – contrast is injected into the seroma (fluid cavity that remains after the tumor was removed).
- CT scan done in Radiation Oncology.
After that visit, we will proceed to schedule your catheter placement and treatments. We will also schedule a visit for you to meet with the breast brachytherapy nurse coordinator. Your nurse will be _____________________________. At that time, the nurse will go over everything that you will need to know for the procedure and treatments.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Radiation Oncology Clinic at (608) 263-8500 between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/06/2010
Copyright © 08/06/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6284
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