Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 6/3/2007

Question
Dr. Hi

My mom recently had a Lumpectomy, and the doctor said she
has the option to get a 28 week schedule for radiation or
the radiation where they use a balloon. I don't want her to have any radiation done for three reasons, first she has a heart condition, and secondly she is 83 years of age. Also,
If the cancer ever does come back she will not be able to have a Lumpectomy but must have a mastectomy.
She had a very small amount of cancer and it was caught in the early stages.

My question to you, do you think I'm wrong in the direction  that I want her to go. What are your thoughts, please help

thanks

Ken  

Answer
Yes you are very wrong! Why on earth should you risk that your mother should need a mastectomy in the future at her age?! Her heart problem is NOT a problem if this is done correctly - as small dose as possible around and in her heart. And it has very little side effects at all. A lumpectomy without radiation is an incorrect therapy! The alternative is then NOT a lumpectomy without radiation but a mastectomy! Again why should she have to risk such a big operation at her age when the simple and easy lumpectomy with radiation is available and possible?! I think you have misunderstood the time frame of her radiation therapy, it will take a few weeks yes but hardly 28! You have probably been told 28 days! I think that alternative is quite sufficient!