I was 67, 4+3. Doctors said I was on the borderline - older, and they would recommend radiation; younger, and surgery would be preferred. They also said either radiation or surgery would provide a good outcome. I chose surgery because I wanted it out. The thing is, IMO, that until they get in there, they are making educated guesses as to what the situation is. In my case, the cancer was more aggressive than they had predicted which required more tissue removal. So, I don't regret choosing surgery even with the side effects.