How To Decide Next Steps After Lumpectomy.

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

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".

Cancer treatment is NOT a One Size.

I do not know how to edit a comment.
Cancer Treatment is Not a One Size Fits All.

For a short window after you write it, you can click on those three little dots on the lower right corner of your post and then click on edit this comment. I am not sure how long the window is.
You could not be more right about it not being one size fits all.

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?

Chris - my radiation therapy was similar to yours. I had the mold of my body made and was tattooed to make sure placement was right. I saw the radiation oncologist once a week while going through radiation.

My radiation therapy was completed on August 31st (I had 15 treatments) and my breast still looks a mess - especially on the right side, underneath and under my arm. That side is still stiff and I often have pain. I do my stretches and use the lotions recommended. My energy level is still low.

All that said - I know it will get better in time. I feel lucky that my cancer was caught early, it was small and my prognosis for the future is good.

I'm 80 in October. I was found to have HER2 positive breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and started chemo going every week at first, and now every three weeks getting just Herceptin until the middle of Feb. (one year in all). I finished radiation not long ago. I had 30 sessions.
The radiation gave me no trouble at all. My nipple still feels a bit sensitive, but my breast and the skin around it are fine. I had the bottom corner of my right breast removed. It looks kind of funny, but I can see it is starting to fill in a bit. Radiation didn't cause any fatigue.

My biggest problem from it all is the peripheral neuropathy the Taxol caused in my feet.

I'm back to being able to put in a good days work in the yard, and have flown to visit my kids in Portland . Pretty two toned gray hair grew in and I feel really good.