Saturday, March 04, 2006

Why Radiation Therapy?

We've had some ask why Venita needs radiation therapy if the surgeon is removing her breast. We didn't know because we have yet to have the first consult with Dr. Nuke. But we think we have put together a reasonable answer.

Even though the breast is removed, the surgeon can't remove 100% of the breast tissue from the chest wall and the skin. So radiation will "target" those remaining cells. Also, because there is a high likelihood of axillary (underarm) lymph node involvement, there likely will be radiation to that area as well.

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