I've done a search and came across Brian's (aka Brennan068) recap of his radiation therapy, but wanted to check to see if there is anyone else out there who had radiation therapy following their thymectomy.

I just met with a radiation oncologist today and it was his recommendation that I undergo radiation (25-28 sessions). My thymoma was classified Stage IIA (microscopic transcapsular invasion). He did admit it is a "gray" area and that there is no 100% guarantee it will not prevent something from growing back. Possible side effects are permanent damage to my lungs and heart, esophogus, burns to my chest & back, fatigue.

I'm getting a second opinion next week from another doctor and will then make my decision.

Hi Kathy,

After my thymoma was biopsied, my surgeon had thought that I might need radiation, so I was referred to an oncologist.

During my wait to see her, I came across this article.

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/j...TRY=1&SRETRY=0

My thymoma was an AB, stage I. My oncologist did not feel that I needed radiation, and when I mentioned this article, she said that she had come across the same study, and was basing her opinion on her experience and this. If you read the above link, it doesn't seem to make much difference with both of our tumour-types (yours was a spindle cell, right? Type A?). I'd definately get a second opinion.

I was also very concerned both with the side-effects of the radiation and also the fact that my sternum was still healing and I wondered how this might effect the healing process.

She said that the only thing I should be concerned about in terms of the thymoma is the fact that thymoma people are at an increased risk of other malignancies (so if your doc. ever wants to prescribe Cellcept, keep this in mind), but the thymoma itself shouldn't be coming back ever.

Nicky

Thanks, Nicky. I wasn't able to open the article from your link (something about cookies not being enabled, which they are on my computer). I can do a search on the Wiley website though. Could you give me the title of the article and date and I may be able to locate it that way.

Yes, mine was Type A (epithelial, spindle cell, medullary); Stage IIA (microscopic transcapsular invasion).

Sure- sorry about that!

The title is:

Postoperative radiation therapy after complete resection of thymoma has little impact on survival

and don't worry- I know that the title seems negative, but it's actually really positive. The survival rate is 100% at 10-years (no recurrence).

Nicky

Nicky,

Did you pay to get a copy of the complete article? If so, how much was it?

Thanks.

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

No...I just read the abstract, but I think that I was able to find the whole article somewhere at some other point for free...I'll try searching it again, and I'll let you know.

Nicky

It caught my eye when i saw the thread Re: Radiation Therapy. I work for a wonderful Radiation Oncologist. That's about all the input i have to offer, but just wanted to send you my support and prayers to both of you.
I'm glad you are getting second opinions and have good information available to you.
Truly Caring...
Rae

My tumor was Stage II (don't know what type) with clean, but close, margins. I went ahead with the radiation which started 4 weeks after the thymectomy. I was prepared for alot of side affects, but I really didn't have any except a slight "sunburn" on my chest. I didn't notice that I was more tired than usual (other than mg tiredness)

The initial appointment for therapy was a bit traumatic because I didn't realize they would be radiating me from front, back and under both arms to get my entire thymus area. After I got over that, the actual radiation was pretty straight forward.

I went back to work with about 10 treatments left (about 8 weeks after surgery) and just took a long lunch every day for treatments.

I made my choice to have the radiation, but everyone is different. I did a lot of research on thymic cancer and decided I didn't want to take a chance on that aggressive cancer coming back at any time.

Good luck on your decision.

Thanks, Juanita.

A few quick questions --

How dressed or should I say undressed are you during the treatments?
How long ago did you have your radiation?

Kathy

I had to undress from the waist up and they gave me a gown to cover myself.

I had my radiation in 2005.

Good luck.