Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is a journey filled with uncertainty and courage. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 20, 2023. Like many others, I found myself at a crossroads when it came to choosing the right treatment path. I had to decide between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy, to begin. Then, I had to determine which form of radiation would be best for me, as well. As I sat in the doctor’s office, absorbing the overwhelming amount of information, one term stood out: SAVI Brachytherapy. This innovative form of radiation promised a more targeted approach, and it immediately piqued my curiosity—and hope.

WEIGHING MY OPTIONS: EXTERNAL VS. INTERNAL RADIATION

During one of my early consultations, my doctor explained the two main radiation options available to me, each with its own approach and benefits. The first option was External Radiation, the most common method, in which radiation is delivered through an external beam precisely targeted at the breast. The second option was Internal Radiation, also known as brachytherapy, which involves placing a specialized device inside the body. This device then delivers radiation directly to the area where the cancer was removed.

I quickly learned that internal radiation isn’t suitable for everyone. Factors like tumor size, location, and body structure determine eligibility. Additionally, not all doctors or facilities offer brachytherapy, making it a less common but intriguing choice for those who qualify. This realization underscored the importance of finding a specialized medical team that understood my unique needs.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

In this post, I want to share my personal experience with SAVI Brachytherapy—how it became a pivotal part of my treatment plan. As well, discuss the emotions I felt along the way, and how it shaped my journey toward recovery.

This infographic was borrowed from the website VeryWell.

My journey with SAVI Brachytherapy began with the challenge of coordinating my care between two locations. My biopsy, mammograms, and lumpectomy were all performed in a town near my family. This gave me comfort and support during an incredibly difficult time. However, when it came to radiation therapy, I wanted to continue treatment near my workplace to minimize disruption to my daily routine. I did not want to choose between my health and my career..

At the time, I was uncertain about my rights as an employee regarding medical leave. I mistakenly believed I had to fit all my medical appointments into my limited sick days, so I was determined to schedule my radiation treatments during my lunch hour to maintain my professional responsibilities. Fortunately, the hospital near my job offered SAVI Brachytherapy, making it possible for me to receive this advanced treatment without having to take extended time off work.

DETERMINING MY ELIGIBILITY FOR SAVI BRACHYTHERAPY

I needed to consult with a radiation oncologist at the hospital to determine if I was a candidate for SAVI Brachytherapy.

During my appointment, my doctor expressed concern about the location of the cancer cells. They were positioned on the far left side of my left breast, dangerously close to my heart. The doctor worried that the placement of the SAVI device could expose my heart to radiation, posing a serious risk to my health.

This was an eye-opening moment for me. It made me realize just how complex and highly personalized cancer treatment can be. After careful consultation, my medical team determined they could position me in a way that minimized risk to my heart. When I received the news that I was eligible for SAVI Brachytherapy, I felt an incredible sense of relief.

Not only was I concerned about taking time off work, but I also worried about the cosmetic effects of external radiation on my breast. The targeted nature of SAVI Brachytherapy meant I could focus on healing without compromising my appearance or my professional responsibilities. It felt like a pivotal moment in my treatment—one that gave me hope and reassurance.

THE SAVI BRACHYTHERAPY PROCESS

During my lumpectomy, the surgeon inserted a bulb, very similar in appearance to an infant aspirator, to create a cavity for the SAVI device. When I returned home to recover, I was able to see the tail of the bulb for the first time, which was a strange but fascinating part of the process. A unique challenge during this period was the restriction on showering, as I couldn’t shower from the time of my lumpectomy until the end of my radiation therapy. Surprisingly, I was able to return to work just a few days after the procedure, despite having the bulb in place. I was relieved to find that the bulb was flexible and soft, causing me very little discomfort. It was reassuring to know that I could continue with my daily activities without too much disruption during this phase of my treatment.

BULB AND INCISION

Both the placement and removal of the bulb were handled by my breast surgeon, who also inserted the SAVI device. I have to admit, the thought of having the bulb removed and the device placed right in the doctor’s office, rather than in a hospital, made me quite anxious. I couldn’t wrap my mind around how such a procedure could be done without a significant amount of pain. The idea of undergoing such an intricate process outside the hospital setting was daunting, and I found myself worrying about how everything would unfold. Despite my apprehensions, I trusted my surgeon’s expertise and hoped for the best as I prepared for this next step in my treatment.

The procedure with the SAVI Brachytherapy device exceeded my expectations in terms of how smoothly it went. The doctor began by using a syringe to deflate the bulb, and within seconds, he expertly removed it from my breast and seamlessly inserted the SAVI device. While I could certainly feel the entire process, it was surprisingly manageable. The quickness and efficiency of the procedure left me amazed—it was over almost before I had time to fully process what was happening.

RADIATION SCHEDULE

4.26.23	BULB PLACEMENT
5.1.23	BULB REMOVAL / SAVI BRACHYTHERAPY DEVICE PLACEMENT
5.4.23	SIM AT HOSPITAL
5.8.23	RADIATION BEGINS
5.9.23	RADIATION
5.10.23	RADIATION AND SAVI DEVICE REMOVAL

UNDERGOING SAVI BRACHYTHERAPY

I wore the SAVI device for the entire week of radiation. At first, I was just grateful to be undergoing a shorter, more targeted treatment, but as the week progressed, the device became uncomfortable. The tip of the device had a pointed end, which pressed against my lumpectomy incision, making each day a little more difficult.

At the time of inserting the device, I was given a “key” to hold onto until radiation. The key was unique to my SAVI device; and, I was told that I would be unable to do radiation without the key. I was a bit apprehensive about holding onto it for fear that I might forget it.

Despite these challenges, I reminded myself that this week of discomfort would soon be behind me.

But, all was well! I did not forget to bring my SAVI device key.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SAVI BRACHYTHERAPY

Like any cancer treatment, SAVI Brachytherapy comes with side effects. While it is designed to minimize damage to healthy tissue, I still experienced:

• BREAST TENDERNESS AND SWELLING – The area around the device became increasingly sore throughout treatment
• FATIGUE – Even though the treatment was shorter than traditional radiation, I still felt exhausted by the end of the week.
• SKIN CHANGES – While not as severe as with external radiation, I noticed some redness and irritation around the treatment site.
• DISCOMFORT FROM THE DEVICE – The pressure from the SAVI catheter caused a constant awareness of its presence, especially near my incision site.

However, compared to traditional external beam radiation, the side effects were significantly less intense, and the healing process was quicker.

REFLECTIONS ON MY EXPERIENCE

Now that I’ve completed my treatment, I can look back on my experience with SAVI Brachytherapy with gratitude and perspective. It wasn’t always easy—coordinating care between locations, managing treatment while working, and dealing with discomfort were all challenging aspects of the process. However, the benefits far outweighed the difficulties.

SAVI Brachytherapy allowed me to receive targeted radiation in a shorter time frame, minimizing both damage to surrounding tissues and potential cosmetic effects. Most importantly, it allowed me to maintain my daily life as much as possible, which was incredibly important for my mental and emotional well-being. It allowed me to continue working, avoid the tissue changes of external radiation, and complete my treatment in just five days instead of several weeks.

While my breast cancer diagnosis was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced, it also taught me resilience, the value of personalized care, and the importance of making informed choices. Today, as I move forward, I am grateful for the advancements in treatment that made my journey a little easier—and hopeful for the many survivors who will walk this path after me.

That said, it wasn’t without its challenges. The discomfort of the device, the anxiety of coordinating treatment, and the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis all played a role in my experience. But through it all, I learned to advocate for myself, ask the right questions, and trust my medical team.

IF YOU FACE BREAST CANCER RADIATION

For anyone facing breast cancer treatment decisions, my biggest advice is to advocate for yourself. Ask questions, seek second opinions, and find a medical team that listens to your concerns. Every treatment path is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Trust yourself and your journey.

If you or someone you love is considering SAVI Brachytherapy, I hope my story provides insight into what to expect. Every cancer journey is unique, but knowing the options available can make all the difference.

Want to know more about my diagnosis, you can read that at MY EXPERIENCE WITH BREAST CANCER.