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How To Decide Next Steps After Lumpectomy.

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 26, 2021 | Replies (60)
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@joiful

I had bilateral lumpectomies July 8 with invasive ductal carcinoma on right and invasive lobular carcinoma on left. Clean margins and clear lymph nodes. Stage 1 on left; stage 2 on right. My medical oncologist asked me to talk with the radiation oncologist before any treatment is started. The medical oncologist is strongly recommending radiation. I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist 9/14. Meanwhile, my medical oncologist will have an Onco DX test performed.
My 33 year-old calcified implants were removed and my breasts reconstructed. I'm 79 years old and in otherwise good health. My incisions are healing nicely and I'm regaining my energy.
I fear radiation and it's long-term effects. Radiation seems to be par-for-the-course for those who have had lumpectomies. My preference is to have a treatment regimen that's personalized rather than "everyone gets this treatment". I would like to hear from others who have undergone radiation.

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Replies to "I had bilateral lumpectomies July 8 with invasive ductal carcinoma on right and invasive lobular carcinoma..."
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Sep 3, 2021

I had radiation and it was very personalized. They made a mold of my body and positioning for treatment, they tattooed my person with little dots that guided the set up every day. I met with the doctor one day every week unless I needed her sooner. Then at the end they had a set number of intensely focused treatments. The fact that I needed it and why was also an individualized decision. I do agree that a lot of lumpectomy patients are prescribed radiation. This is definitely a way to create less misery than most chemo regimens, and still increase chances of never getting it again.
You certainly have a unique situation going on. I am sorry, it probably feels like you won the breast cancer lottery. If I trusted my doctor, I would get the consult, if I wasn’t sure, I would get a second opinion.
Remember a consult doesn’t mean you have to accept the recommendation right off. What long term effects of radiation are you concerned about?

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