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Fear of radiation after lumpectomy
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 9 5:46pm | Replies (129)Comment receiving replies
I am dealing with a similar situation. I just had lumpectomy for Grade I invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR positive and HER-2 negative. Spot removed was only 0 .6 cm (smaller than pea size). Surgeon rec is radiation plus AI. I have suffered for my nearly my entire life with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmune thyroid, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, vertigo, dizziness, swelling, severe allergies, etc. Three lymph nodes were removed and none of them tested positive. My BARC genetic test came back negative also. Surgery report says all margins are clean. I have struggled my entire life to overcome the overwhelming amount of symptoms I already have. In addition, my father died of leukemia and also my cousin on his side. My cousin on my mom's side has lupus and thyroid issues as does the entire side of mom's family. My aunt had lung cancer. With my history, I do not want to risk making my already awful quality of life even worse. So I am waiting on my Oncotype results. I too have read horrible things about AI and radiation. Radiation can bring on leukemia and lung cancer later on. I've had to cut back on work already due to my existing issues, so I can't afford to quit. I need to still work to pay bills. So far, I have not found that the benefits of radiation or AI's outweigh the risks or decreased quality of life. Unless there is some indication that you are at higher risk of recurrence. I'd like to see some studies on this topic but haven't found much out there yet. Has anyone out there found any studies on this?
Replies to "I am dealing with a similar situation. I just had lumpectomy for Grade I invasive ductal..."
Wow, I can’t believe how similar our stories seem. I, too was recently diagnosed w/IDC stage 1. I had surgery at Mayo and am awaiting the OncoType test. My preliminary meeting with the oncologist seemed very prescribed protocols, including radiation and hormone inhibitors. I am 73, small frame and concerned with Osteoporosis. My father, his brother, and a first cousin died of leukemia as well.
Please let me know how you fare gaining any info or insight to your current status on future treatments.
Your friend, Elliej
I totally agree with you. They lump everyone in the same category regardless of Onco scores K167 scores clear margins no lymph node involvement etc. cancer is a Multi billion $ business and this is their standard of care and they make no exceptions... It is very scary to be facing radiation if you have low numbers. I’m sitting on the fence and must make a decision by Friday . I am full of anxiety about it. I have done my research and there are a lot of natural holistic antitumor properties that we can take instead of the anti-estrogen meds which give you a horrible quality of life. Good luck to you and your decision as I know how hard it is.
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I have not seen any studies. I had a mastectomy so my situation is quite different as no breast tissue remains ( theoretically). I can say that I am one of those who has very strong reactions to medications. That said, I am taking an AROMATASE inhibitor ( Anastrozole) and in month 6 and I am not experiencing any noticeable symptoms ( possible slight hair thinning which has lessened so may be a response to the surgery/anesthesia). So my gut response, with ER positive, is to try it and see if it is in fact a problem for you. Age and menopause status may also play a factor.
I’m truly sympathetic to your concerns and one would hope for more research to address these questions and concerns on a more targeted and individualized basis.
I hope you find a peaceful path on this journey. 🌸