I think it is smart to talk to doctors and to consider skipping radiation if all margins were good and your cancer type is good and to consider family history of breast cancer. I got lymphedema in right arm and it is swollen, I also got a second DCIS from radiation and I have heart and lung damage. I know a woman who refused radiation and I did not argue with her. Talk with your doctor and other people, and do research yourself if you are able. Does the benefits outweigh the risk is the question to consider with any medical treatment? I got an ulcer from Ibuprophen for arthritis symptom, so I had to stop taking them, so I don't consider any treatment not to have risks.

The trouble is there are so many variables. But talking with oncologist can help considerably. You might notice the doctor leaning toward one treatment, but will also tell you other options. If he's a good doctor that is; and you have to decide that by observing and listening. We're all different, but I've not heard of many (Any?) doctors who do not always say radiation is next and just assume you will go along with it. Double negative there. Sorry. I just think doctors try to cover themselves. All of them.

I understand the tough decision. I was low risk of recurrence and declined the AI's, but opted for the 5 targeted radiation session option. New studies show it is very effective with lobular cancer, apparently even more so than ductile. I used mepitel film, (cancer was in left breast), had no skin reactions and about 9 months out now no lymphodema or problems at all. Trust your gut, make your decision and then move on. Obviously your concerns are very valid. I have not seen a stat, but I'm sure they exist, as to the percentage of women who get lymphodema after radiation, and that is a number I would personally weigh into my decision. Also, is radiation what causes it, or is it actually the surgery itself? I am not confident not having radiation means you won't get lymphodema. My Dr. implied the risk came from the node removal surgery. Either way, I wish you all the best and now I am going to go pull stats!

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy almost a year ago. Negative node involvement. The cancer was small (1-5 mm )but invasive ductile. The surgeon said the margins were good. The oncologist said I didn’t need radiation. She didn’t say it as if there was any discussion. That was it. It was my left breast , so maybe there’s more concern about damage to the heart. I didn’t question it. I was just relieved. When I see her again, I’ll ask her to explain why.

I also chose radiation for lobular. I've been lucky and trust my team. They've always offered to set up second referrals for me, etc. Because lobular is diffuse (can take different routes...at least I think that what it means), I wanted to do everything I could to avoid recurrence. ALthough at first they suggested one week, he later suggested three because it was lobular. During radiation, I used the 3 creams recommended on this loop. Rotated them and always slapped on the aloe vera gel in the dressing room on my way out. My breast is in great shape. I have never heard of radiation causing lymphedema so that is new to me. But I have known women who got it after having nodes removed. I'm on anastrozole and so far, have not had problems with it. Yesterday I went to see a specialist about a separate issue. Female, probably in her 40s. When I told her I had lobular cancer last year, she said she had it too and she chose a double mastectomy. Didn't want the yearly MRIs, etc. We are all different. I'm in my late 70s. Didn't want drains etc. And I'm searching for a ten minute breast MRI. They exist. Your choice will be what fits you and your life. Best wishes!

I think we all need to remember that we can always go back to our surgeon, or phone in, with any questions regarding our treatment plan - and at any time. My DMX was on July 9th and there were a couple times I needed to call the office for advice or more info on the treatment. My surgeon likes to see people for 2 years out...but I am pretty confident that she, or her staff, would answer a question beyond that; perhaps they would require me to come back in but I would do that to ensure my best possible outcome. I am currently struggling a bit with lymphedma from the DMX...and I had no lymphnodes removed (dyed but was not required in surg path), clear margin, and full path came back negative so no radiation or chemo required. My lymphedema is definetely from the surgery. Currently doing manual massage, cupping of fibrous areas, wearing compression - and just started using kinesiology tape to help drain my chest into my pooh belly...plus reduce the pooh belly. I think it is working. Next L-dex is November 20th. Good luck with your decision on radiation or no radiation.