Did some of you have radiation after Mastectomy + Chemo?

It is both possible and common for radiation to be recommended after a mastectomy and chemotherapy, even for small tumors, if they have certain aggressive characteristics.

What I am seeing is that radiation is used as an abundance of caution to target any possible remaining microscopic cancer cells in the chest wall or nearby lymph nodes to prevent local recurrence.

There are several reasons for this including that:
1. Grade 3 tumors are more aggressive and grow faster than lower-grade tumors, which increases the risk of recurrence even if the tumor was small.
2. Hormone Receptor Status: "Low positive" estrogen and negative progesterone/HER2 results often mean the cancer behaves similarly to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. TNBC is known for being more aggressive and is more likely to be treated with a combination of surgery, chemo, and radiation regardless of tumor size.
3. Lymph Node Status: If any cancer cells were found in the lymph nodes during surgery, radiation is standardly recommended after a mastectomy
4. Surgical Margins: If the tumor was close to the skin or chest wall (narrow margins), doctors often use radiation to ensure the area is clear

I found this information with a google search for your parameters listed in the post and then checking the research and standard practices and guide lines listed on the web pages.
https://www.curetoday.com/view/understanding-triple-negative-breast-cancer-care
Video if you prefer this form of information:
youtube.com/watch?v=KY39JZvlxa4&t=36
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/updated-guidelines-on-rads-after-mx
https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/research-studies/topics/radiation-therapy-after-mastectomy-for-invasive-breast-cancer/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518779/
etc. etc.

6 months ago had 16 rounds of targeted radiation - after surgery to remove 27 lymph nodes/11 with cancer. The Radiology Doctor called it "mop up". As info my story: Was diagnosed with estrogen positive breast cancer reoccurrence after 30 years - found in my lymph nodes under my arm. In my early 40's had double mastectomy and was on tamoxifen for 5 years. My surgeon said evidently some breast cancer cells were left behind (said impossible to get them all). What brought back my dormant cancer after so long - hard to say - could be old age/covid? I do wonder if I had had radiation as mop up 30 years ago maybe no cancer cells would have been left behind. The radiation is so much better/targeted than in the olden days - realize radiation is very hard on the body's immune system, but after surgery love the idea of mop up - cancer cells are "Persnickety" (Adaptive & Persistent) best to get them all out if possible - get them all mopped up! BTW the radiation made me a little tired but no other side effects at all - was an easy mop up!

Hi,
I had to have radiation after single masectomy. I had a large, triple negative tumor 2 inches from my chest wall. I had 3 weeks of radiation. I am almost at my 5 year mark.
My surgeon did a really good job. He didn't leave much tissue behind, my surgery sight has a hollowed out look.Sending hugs and best wishes.

I was dx TNBC and BRCA2+ end of 2021 and spent the next 18 mos going thru chemo, DMX and then radiation. I had new grand babies and wanted everything thrown at my medical dx to hopefully diminish recurrence. I had researched all along my journey for what to expect and how to prepare for each treatment. I was extremely fortunate I weathered each treatment with minimal discomfort. I was also able to work my full time job thru the treatment process. I was also fortunate it was during COVID and no one at work knew I was going thru treatment. The only discomfort from radiation was the stretch from holding my arms above my head after the DMX.

I really tried to restrict my research to reliable websites, but also found very helpful sites about individual experiences that helped prep for each treatment. An example for how to prep for the chemo and DMX procedures.

My thoughts are with you the decisions you'll make will be challenging whether you follow what is presented or you question what is presented. You will know what is right for you.