COPD and Radiation for Breast Cancer

[kathleen123]

I am trying to find information on the potential effects on my existing COPD if I have radiation therapy for breast cancer. I am being treated at a top cancer center in the US and they definitely promote lumpectomy plus radiation over mastectomy. I am almost 70 years old and a widow, and I really don't care if I lose my breasts. If I have the lumpectomy, I must have radiation. I am concerned that the radiation will cause further damage to my lungs. Does anyone have any information or experience with this?

[peege]

I'm sorry you haven't had replies yet kathleen and I'm very sorry I cannot help except to say that perhaps the helpline could advise, number above. Very best wishes, P

PS here's the number, uk office hours 9-5 Mon-Fri 0300 555 2800

[Hidden]

I don't have experience of breast cancer or copd but thougt that it might help to tell you of my daughter's experience. 7 years ago she had a lumpectomy and radiation for succesfull treatment of breast cancer. She did not have copd but the radiation has left her with a small area of lung damage and a cough. Generally she is very well though.

[djbctla]

Hi Kathleen I cannot help with your question but I send u best wishes for a good recovery. 🥰🤗🤗🤗

[cat50]

Hi Kathleen .I had a breast cancer 18 years ago .I had a lumpectomy and radiation.I have Bronchiectasis and it did cause damage to my left lung .It made my bronchiectasis worse And it has made life more difficult but I’m still here .I wish you all the best with whatever decision you make.

[Elkeburr in reply to cat50]

dear Kathleen, I had breast cancer 13 years ago followed by a course of radio therapy. I have been soon afterwards diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and I think the two were connected. If you have radio therapy on your chest make sure the technicians are experienced and use the best equipment. Hope all goes well. Irmgard

[Alberta56]

Best wishes. Hope all goes well.

[Hidden]

Hi Kathleen, I had breast cancer eight years ago. I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. In many respects I regret having the radiation because I subsequently had repeated episodes of pneumonia and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis four years ago. My experience may not be the same as yours though.

I have never tolerated sunshine and I found it in rather bad taste when my radiologist jokingly told me that having radiation was like getting a suntan. I was diagnosed with lupus two years ago and this may explain why sunshine (and radiation) affected me so badly.

A friend had breast cancer and she opted for lumpectomy but declined the radiotherapy. She is still cancer free.

If you do proceed with radiation may I give you a tip which my GP gave me. She prescribed Cetraben emollient cream and told me to apply it to the affected breast immediately after radiation. It works wonders with the redness and soreness.

All the best with your treatment.

[INK45]

I had a lumpectomy and the the oncologist insisted I should have both (both!!) chemo and radiation - I said a definite no to chemo, which I believe can harm you very badly (and they claimed it would improve my chances by a a hefty (?) 5%), and asked to talk with the chief radiation doctor: surprisingly he turned out to be friendly and reasonable, and when he heard about my severe COPD said I SHOULD NOT have radiation, as it definitely scars the lungs. This was seven years ago and I'm still alive. So I strongly recommend you say no to radiation.

[iamagigi]

I am 70. I had a small tumor with many calcifications in my right breast and it was close to the chest wall. I have been reading lots of articles online regarding radiation with COPD. I'm going to my radiation guy in a week and will plead my case. With no RADS or hormone therapy, it's like 5% difference compared to 2% of reoccurrence. There are so many medical hospitals, and universities that have done a ton or research. Good luck! health.harvard.edu/cancer/w....