My Story
I was very happy with my MammoSite treatment and the doctors that treated me in Naples, FL and so I’d like to share my story with you.
My internist wanted me to have a mammogram, even though I felt I was too old for it. A new procedure enabled them to see a small spot, and so I then had an MRI, which verified that it was Stage I Ductal Carcinoma on 5/6/06. My internist, Dr. Pavan Anand, told me about Dr. Jan Forszpaniak, M.D. (Naples Breast Surgery Center) who has performed more MammoSite surgeries than any other doctor in the United States to date. Dr. Forszpaniak performed a lumpectomy to remove the cancer on 5/8/06, as well as some lymph nodes. They took 3 nodes at first and when one looked strange, they took 6 more. This resulted in the need for drains in the incision and a 5-day waiting period for the drainage. I was quite uncomfortable during this surgery, having to lie in an awkward position with my arm above my head, but it was soon over. I came out of the surgery quite fast and easily, after only a bit of grogginess. Then 8 days later on May 16, he took the drainage tube out and inserted the balloon directly into the same incision for the MammoSite treatment. This was done very simply right in his office. I had been also meeting with Dr. Michael Hanus, M.D. (Radiation Oncologist at 21st Century Oncology, Inc.) to determine the exact location for the radiation treatment, which took place on May 17-19, 22 and 23. These radiation treatments were completed easily, with no discomfort. I was so glad to be able to complete the treatments in just 5 days, as I had just supported my husband going through his 6 weeks of radiation treatments for his lung cancer up in Michigan during the past winter. I had been told that possibly 5 days after the treatment I might start to feel effects from the radiation, but it took longer than anyone had ever expected. About 3 weeks later a vivid rash appeared. The doctor said it was radiation burn. Perhaps because I am quite small chested, but no one knows for sure.
My children live in Michigan and Massachusetts, and they had wanted me to leave Florida so that I could be close to them during my treatments, but I was so impressed with the all of the doctors, and especially Dr. Anand, that I decided to stay in Florida. Dr. Anand has introduced my husband and me to many talented physicians in this area. I was lucky to have 2 daughters come to stay with me at separate times during my surgery and radiation for extra help in driving, cooking, etc. as well as emotional support!
When I first learned about the MammoSite treatment, I found it very helpful to watch the video demonstration of the procedure on mammosite.com. It was also very helpful to share this with my children so that they could each see exactly what to expect and why I felt so sure that this was the right treatment for me.
This profile is solely the words of the person who received MammoSite Targeted Radiation Therapy to treat breast cancer. Note that this profile is specific to this particular person, and experiences will vary.
