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Breast Cancer/Delayed Radiation after Lumpectomy Due to Pregnancy

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Expert: - 12/12/2008


Question
I had a lumpectomy on 11/3/08 which was very small .08 w/ no lymph node involvement.  Chemo is not required, however, I am 22 weeks pregnant and they are debating on a mastectomy now or delayed radiation treatment (after the baby is born at the end of April) I am aprehensive about going under anesthia again and worry about the effects of pain medication afterwards while pregnant.  Any advice?

Answer
A lumpectomy SHOULD (if possible) be followed by radiation therapy. Here that is obviously not possible. So in order to follow an evidence based medical practice a lumpectomy should NOT have been done in your case but a mastectomy (followed immediately by a breast reconstruction). So in your case now I can only suggest such a mastectomy since I do not like an almost ½ year interval until radiation will be given. However it is your body, your health, your illness, your breast, your life and your future. So the choice must also be yours.
Good luck whatever you choose!  

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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