How To Decide Next Steps After Lumpectomy.

Enjoy it, you deserve it.

Thank you!! 🙂

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.

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?

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.

I am glad you are having the consult, it never hurts to have a conversation. I am not going to say my 17 years have been free of issues, that would be a blatant lie, but none of those issues caused by radiation were as bad as the initial surgery, chemo, radiation regimen. I always tell people that I am still here to talk about it, and I was told to get my affairs in order a couple of times.

How wonderful that you've had these 17 years. Hopefully, you'll have many more. Having been diagnosed with cancer certainly puts an entirely new perspective on being alive and enjoying even the smallest of things and events. As of right now, I have listed many questions in preparation for my upcoming consultation with the radiation oncologist. One biggie for me is: tell me why radiation for ME, NOT why it's "standard operating practice".

Thank you, I do see life differently. I see nothing wrong with that question, it might be a standard prescription but the reasons are very individual. For me it was an oncotype that made it more aggressive, also the fact that I was in my 30s, and really wanted the best chance at an old age. Maybe some other folks will chime in with the reasons it was right for them.

I am 79 years old and in good health beyond the cancer. Along with my bilateral lumpectomies on July 8, my calcified implants were removed and the plastic surgeon put what was left back together. Sutures are healing well and feeling has returned (except in left armpit). I have full range of motion in my arms and was told this past Thursday (8 weeks out) it was ok to start exercising. Already walk between 3 & 5 miles a day. I feel grateful to have caught this early and to be healing so well and to be in overall good health.

I am thinking 17 years more for you ought to be just about right. 😁