MammoSite: A Survivor's Story

PJ Hamel is happy to be alive. As always. Been Through It Author, breast cancer survivor Writer, mother, wife, volunteer, and survivor: PJ Hamel joins the... Send Message Subscribe: PJ Hamel

Thursday, November 13, 2008
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Dani Ligett (center) with sister Gaby (l) and friend Jane (r) at the 2008 Norris Cotton Cancer Center fundraiser last July. Dani Ligett and I were introduced through our cancer center’s volunteer program. The first time we met, she was lying in a hospital bed with a 24-hour-old tram-...

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mammosite vs. conventional radiation
steakprincess
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 02:14 PM

Interesting to say the least. Everyone is different and unique. One does what one has to do at the time and regrets are just a waste of time.

It just goes to show you what I have said in the past and still believe in my heart; it's all trial and error. NOTHING is 100% for sure.

Danielle

re: mammosite vs. conventional radiation
PJ Hamel
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 02:39 PM

You got that right, sister- We're all guinea pigs in this long, long, LONG clinical trial called cancer treatment! And I'm happy to help out - live and learn, with the important word there being LIVE. Thanks for connecting, Diane- PJH

re: mammosite vs. conventional radiation
PJ Hamel
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 02:41 PM

Sorry - Danielle! Chemobrain means not remembering ANYTHING form one second to the next...

re: re: mammosite vs. conventional radiation
steakprincess
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 03:36 PM

You have nothing to be sorry for. Your posts are interesting and informative and I appreciate you posting.

I was always a "blonde" with brown hair, and now the chemo gives me an excuse to "act" ditsy!! LOL

And I'm sorry if I seem a little cynical sometimes or "debbie downer", it's just that I do feel like a guinea pig sometimes and the more women I hear from, the more pessimistic I get about the treatments for breast cancer. Maybe someday it won't be so trial and error.

Danielle

re: re: re: mammosite vs. conventional radiation
PJ Hamel
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 07:47 PM

Danielle, take heart. We'll all get through this, together. The "guinea pigs" we are now are payback for the women who've gone before us, who had disfiguring radical mastectomies and burning radiation and chemo that accidentally went over the line and killed them. Think how much better things are now. Consider how much better they'll be in the future, for our daughters, because we're taking the hit with these new treatments. You're doing a service to humanity, did you ever think of it that way? You're a hero. Never forget it. -PJH

Very Well Explained
Haralee
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 05:48 PM

I really was not that sure of the treatment and you explained this prodecure and journey very well. Thanks.

re: Very Well Explained
PJ Hamel
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM

Glad we could help, Haralee - PJH

Radiation Therapy
Tammy in Colorado
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 06:48 PM

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2008. Underwent lumpectomy and then re-excision. I had a very low scoring oncotype but opted to have four courses of chemotherapy just for precaution and then decided to opt for the accellerated partial breast irradiation which was two radiation treatments a day for five days because I live in a rural town about three hours away from the radiation facility and I was able to stay there for the whole week and get it done. I know it isn't a sure thing but this was most convenient for me at the time.

re: Radiation Therapy
PJ Hamel
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 07:01 PM

Tammy, totally makes sense. I'm glad MammoSite was an option for you. Best of luck going forward- PJH