Hear from real people who have been treated with TARGIT-IORT

In 2008, I experienced the first of what would become two breast cancers—different types and in different breasts. The first occurrence on the left side was near the surface (easy to reach) but was an invasive tumor. Because of a low score on the Oncotype DX test, I did not require chemotherapy and was given three options for radiation therapy—a longer, typical course over 5-6 weeks, a 3 week Canadian model and a new 1-week treatment using a higher radiation dosage twice a day for 5 days. I chose the newer option of 1 week at a higher dosage of radiation. The treatment was easier than the decision! All went well with that course of treatment. It was followed by the customary daily pill. I used Tamoxifin for a little more than a year then moved to an Aromatase Inhibitor because of its better results with fighting recurrence.

Then 10 years later in 2018, a mammogram and MRI found cancer in the other breast. This was fortunately assessed to be non-invasive, but was located deep next to the chest wall—a difficult location for the surgeon. Fortunately, I was offered yet another new technique for radiation of non-invasive cancers—IORT, IntraOperative Radiation Therapy. This involved the radiation oncologist working with the surgeon during the procedure instead of later after the incisions are healed.

Since I was still under anesthesia, I was not aware of the surgery nor the radiation therapy. Afterwards I learned that the IORT took about 30 minutes for the oncologist to zap all the tissue and observe the conclusion of the procedure. This was totally painless, of course, and has brought no after-effects in the 2+ years since it was performed.

When people ask me about my experience with IORT I have to say “Hmmm, there was really no experience. I woke up and left the hospital, ready to get on with my life.” No return visits except for check-ups.

Elaine F.

I had breast cancer back in 2017 and here it is almost 71/2 yrs later and the cancer has NOT come back. I had breast surgery July 2017 and was offered the TARGIT-IORT for my radiation treatments. l woke up from by surgery and the IORT was already done! My cancer was removed, and the radiation was done while I was still in the Operating Room. It was painless and the best part was I had no extra daily visits for external radiation. I’m glad I went through the TARGIT-IORT option.

Elsie Wong

I liked that it was only one session of radiation. Who wouldn’t do this if it is within your scope of treatment. You go in they do the procedure and treatment. For myself, no after effects and I left the same day. I went home without pain and I never had to think of it again, as I got back into my life in an instant.

Diane S.

For my first breast cancer I had 6 weeks of external beam radiation therapy after my lumpectomy. I suffered radiation rash and the tyranny of daily appointments for that time period. The treatment also left me with hardened breast tissue.

When I was diagnosed seven years later with my second breast cancer in the opposite breast, I was delighted to learn that I qualified for IORT. Due to the skill of my surgeon and my radiation oncologist, the procedure was successful and easy to tolerate. I healed quickly and have had no problems for 6 years. My tissue in that breast feels soft and natural. I am delighted and highly recommend IORT if you are lucky enough to qualify.

Dorrie

My initial reaction to it all was just shock. I couldn’t believe that it was happening to me. I found out after my annual mammogram that something was amiss. Then after a biopsy, I got the call that I had early-stage breast cancer.

The most difficult part is knowing that you have breast cancer and out of nowhere. The other thing is telling my family, I lost my mom to cancer, not breast cancer. It’s just such a scary thought, just so scary, but once there was a plan, then it just made everything so much easier just to walk through the plan.

My options were radiotherapy six to eight weeks after I had healed from this surgery or to have IORT and that just seemed to me to make the most sense because I was being treated right away at the time of surgery, which seemed earth-shattering in a way that I could have IORT inside me right away.

There was no pain. There was nothing afterwards and it lessened my treatment, having to go every day for six to eight weeks.

Carol

When my breast surgeon explained IORT to me, my immediate response was… “Cool…” Here’s why:

There was something very compelling about having the radiation administered directly inside the tumor bed. In my mind, it had the potency to destroy any cancer cells in the immediate vicinity but leave the surrounding tissue unharmed.

And while this direct, targeted approach was by far the most compelling feature of IORT, its “one-and-done” (at the time of surgery) feature ran a very close second. It was over quickly and left no side effects.

I feel lucky I qualified for this treatment, and that my medical insurance paid for it. No longer “experimental,” I wish this option was available to all breast cancer patients who medically qualify.

Sherry