Connect
low grade cancer no radiation?
I have a low grade Estrogen positive, progesterone neg, her2 neg cancer. 2 surgeries, clear margins, negative lymph nodes, on tamoxifen. Considering refusing radiation. Without radiation 10-15% chance of recurrence, (maybe less because 95% estrogen positive) less than 5% chance with radiation. Negligible effect on life expectancy. Thoughts? (I am almost 59 yo)
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Hi I was diagnosed with early stage HER2 positive breast cancer in 2018. After a lumpectomy and removal of 2 lymph nodes, it was suggested to me to have chemo, rad and herceptin and hormone therapy. It’s been a long 12 months and my last scan showed I was cancer free. I’m going ok but have neuropathy in both my feet from the chemo and chronic pain in my left leg. I am counting my blessings. It could have been a lot worse but the treatment does knock you around.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, Just wondering - what has made you consider declining radiation? I am in the same dilemma, but I am not sure I fully understand the risks
Also, I was given a recurrence rate of 30% without radiation and less than 10% with radiation - my diagnosis specifics seem pretty similar to yours, though
Do either of you qualify for Brachytherapy Mamosite Radiation?
I had that form of Radiation Treatment. No skin burn. Lessens the side effects to other organs.
Why would you decline radiation. I had no side effects and other than the drive to the radiation center every day for 4 weeks it was a non event.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI chose stereotactic. Intense but precise radiation. Twice a day for 5 days in a row. It was a breeze! I wouldn't hesitate to lower the risk of reoccurrence no matter which option you choose or have available.
On April 21 2019 I had a partial mastectomy was 100% ER positive ,PgR 60% positive HER2 Neg. Ki67 borderline. 3.1 cm lump. No lymph node involvement. Put on Anastrozole and was told no need for radiation since borders were clear. I will be 82 in Dec. maybthat is the reason no further treatments are necessary. I have taken myself off of Anastrozole. I was having way too many side effects. Muscle pain in legs, night sweats and confusion. All gone since I stopped. Will see Onc. in 3 weeks. I am extremely active in politics and feel like I am still 50.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@blondbritt
I, too, had similar complaints on anastrozole plus many more! My oncologist changed me to letrozole (Femara) - less side effects. Still have some joint aches, but no brain fog on this one. You may be 82, but you still have many good years ahead so do some research on other AIs as being ER and PR positive puts you in the category of further breast cancers. It's a choice we all have to make, unfortunately. All the best to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions