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Fear of radiation after lumpectomy

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 9 5:46pm | Replies (129)
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@shortie0650

I was just diagnosed in the middle of January with grade II infiltrating ductal carcinoma in the right breast. The tumor was 2 cm. About 2 1/2 weeks ago I had a lumpectomy. The surgeon said I will need radiation and Tamoxifen or some other similar drug. I have been looking up online about these treatments and I am really scared of the resulting side effects of both radiation and the ER receptor blocking drugs. I have not been assigned an oncologist yet, but I am going to ask for one who is trained in both naturopathy and regular medicine. I am really considering whether or not I want these treatments and the side effects. I am going to be 72 years old in June and the treatments are often less severe for women over the age of 70. I would be interested in any opinions about this. Thanks.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Mar 14, 2022

@shortie0650
Do not disregard any treatment based on others side effects or results. Everyone is an individual.

It is like watching commercials for drugs and they start listing all possible side effects, and it makes you wonder why anyone would take.

BUT knowing pros and cons of different treatments can help you have an informative conversation with provider.

I remember asking my radiations oncologist about protein beam radiation for my breast cancer and he told me that other radiation form was more effective for my type of cancer.

So write down list of questions about various treatments and reoccurrence results, side effects, etc...

And if you start a treatment and have side effects, can always stop or try something different.

P,S, I had ER+ HR- breast cancer at 63, lumpectomy on left breast and two positive lymph nodes. I had chemo, radiation of left breast, breast bone, collar bone and armpit, tried multi AIs and then stopped due to side effects.

Laurie

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