Survivor: New Treatments for Breast Cancer

I would like to share with you my personal experience with breast cancer and Mammosite targeted therapy. Like most women, I have been very diligent in doing a monthly self breast exam and getting my yearly mammogram. I started doing this when I turned 40. I should mention the fact that I was an active nurse educator for many years and this was a part of what I taught. As the years passed however, I seemed to get a little nonchalant about it and then in 2005, I let September, my usual month for getting the exam, pass When I realized I hadn't gone in for the test I rationalized that it was the holiday season, I was busy at work(I have retired from nursing and now am working in retail} and would do it after the first of the year. As you might guess, the first of the year came and passed and before I knew it, it was March. I finally got an order from my internist, called the local hospital and went in for what I firmly believed would be another routine exam. Two days later I got the letter that said there was a change and I needed to come in for an ultra sound. This didn't really shake me up much as I had had these before. I went in and after the test the technician told me the radiologist would like to talk to me. He introduced himself and started to talk about the exam. In the first sentence out of his mouth he said the word "suspicious area and I needed a biopsy" and that was all I heard. I left the hospital in a daze. I could not say that word yet but it was spinning around in my head. In what seemed like an eternity but actually was just a day, I had a call from my internist referring me to a surgeon. I didn't know it at the time but being referred to this particular surgeon was probably the best thing that could have happened to me at this time. I was not aware of the fact that he was one of the leading surgeons in this area to use Mammosite therapy for breast cancer. In fact, I had never heard of Mammosite therapy.

I saw the surgeon within a week and had the biopsy done. Five days later he called me to give me the results. It wasn't good, I had "it". I still couldn't say the word. I was scheduled for a lumpectomy which went very well. I took two weeks off work and then went back to see the surgeon. At this time he talked at length about how I was a good candidate for Mammosite, a type of internal targeted radiation. My tumor was small, diagnosed early and the cavity left was in a good position, not to close to the surface of the chest or the rib cage. He wanted to show me the catheter used to deliver the radiation but I just couldn't look at it, I just wasn't ready yet. I did question him as to how five days of radiation could possibly be as effective as six weeks. He assured me that because it was internal, high dose and targeted directly at the site of the tumor it was very effective. I would like to add here that since its introduction in 2002, more than 38,000 breast cancer patients have received partial breast irradiation utilizing the Mammosite radiation system. At this time he wanted me to see an radiation oncologist.

My radiation oncologist , another doctor I am very thankful for, was also very open and encouraging. I again voiced my apprehension to him and he reiterated what the surgeon had said and stated that he was in favor of my getting the Mammosite. So, the next day, the surgeon inserted the catheter and I began my five day, twice a day radiation. This was the latter part of April, 2006. Since then I have had a six month, one year, eighteen month and two year mammogram. Everything is fine.

I now volunteer in the radiation oncology department at my hospital. About a year ago my radiation oncologist gave me some information on a group called Voices of Mammosite. It is an organization composed at this time, of 88 women in 27 states, across the US who have undergone Mammosite treatment and we are growing. Our goal is to have 200 volunteers by the end of 2008. I signed up for membership and participate in many of their activities, one of which is to speak to women who are facing the decision as to whether they want to have this treatment or not. I share my history and personal thoughts on my treatment, on a strictly personal and non professional level and answer any questions they might have. I also mentor new volunteers just joining our group. We have monthly conference calls in which the volunteers share their experiences and ideas with each other. Another activity is getting the word out to women that there is another form of treatment for breast cancer because even today, many women still associate breast cancer with mastectomy and six weeks of radiation. Not every woman needs this type of treatment although some do. At this time, one in eight women will develop breast cancer and of those women, 99% are unaware of mammosite targeted therapy as a possible option.

Let me tell you just what did happen to over this one week period of time. On Friday, I went to the surgeon's office. My left chest area was prepped, given a local anesthetic and the Mammosite device , which is a balloon catheter, was inserted through a small incision into the cavity created by the lumpectomy. I only felt a little pressure, no pain at all. The approximately 8 to 10 inches of tubing left out was coiled and a dressing placed over the site. I wore a semi loose bra 24 hours a day to keep it in place and protect it against tugging. On Monday morning I reported to radiation oncology and my treatments began. A technician checked me out with a scanner to make sure the tube was in the right place and the balloon inflated, then took some measurements. I was then taken to the treatment room where my tubing was hooked up to the small machine that delivered the radiation to the balloon inside the lumpectomy cavity, targeting the area where tumors are most likely to recur, while reducing exposure to healthy tissue. I was then disconnected and another technician came in and made sure the radioactive material was gone. The oncologist came in to see how I was doing and then I was on my way to see the nurse who applied a new dressing. We talked and I soon learned that "hugging " plays a big part in the unofficial treatment and recovery. I had come in at 7:30 am and the whole process took about an hour and a half. I left and then came back again at 1:30 pm and repeated the whole process. This went on for the five days and on Friday afternoon after the last treatment, the Dr. removed the tube. Again I felt a small sensation as the tube came out but that was it.

I have to admit that once again that feeling of "is this all there is" came back but only for a short time. I went to the web site and read all I could and again talked to both doctors.

One of the smartest moves I made after the treatment was to attend a breast cancer support group. I finally found the courage to not only say that I had breast cancer but that I was a survivor. Of course I would rather not have had the cancer but, since I can not change the past I look to the future. Now, I want to help others feel the same way. I highly recommend Mammosite targeted therapy if you meet the requirements. Listen to your doctor and listen to those of us who have already gone through the treatment. Our goal is to get back to our normal life sooner. That is where I am at today!