Yes, I did win the breast cancer lottery! Keeping our sense of humor through all this is important, isn't it?!! I'm happy for you that your radiation experience went well for you.

Two people I know had residual problems years after going through cancer radiation. One person experienced his jaw bone deteriorating to the point of having to have a new one built and surgically placed. The other person had a lumpectomy 14 years ago, followed by the "standard" radiation. She's recently undergone a mastectomy because a new breast cancer had appeared, and her oncologist informed her that cancer was caused by the radiation she had all those years ago.

Of course, there's my sister that had a lumpectomy 10 years ago, followed by radiation. Cancer re-appeared, she had another lumpectomy (same breast) followed by a shorter radiation therapy. She seems to be doing OK at this point.

When I meet with the radiation oncologist, I'll go with as open a mind as possible. I've already been jotting down questions and concerns to discuss with him.

Jump to this post