From a friend off the list I have a request for any info anyone has about
breastfeeding after radiation treatment for Hodgkins' lymphoma.
The woman in question was treated with chemotherapy (don't know what agents)
and radiation to the thymus at age 17, for Hodgkins.  This would have been
in 1988.  She developed symptoms on the skin on the medial aspects of both
breasts after radiation.  Ten years later she had her first baby and had
problems with insufficient milk production.  I don't know anything about
what kind of care or advice she had, nor about the initial course of
breastfeeding, other than that no one knew whether her history could have
affected her breast tissue to cause this.
She is now pregnant for the second time and wonders whether to expect the
same problem.  She is going to breastfeed in any case, just wants to be
mentally prepared.  And she is curious.
My friend and I agree that planning to breastfeed, and expecting it to go as
well as last time or better, are the only prudent policy for now.  After the
baby comes, we'll see.  We are curious too.
Does anyone have any experience with this, or any useful information?
Please reply to the list.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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