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Breast cancer-free anniversaries
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (117)Comment receiving replies
Well, here I am again studying about radiation after lumpectomy. I’m 73, so the Radiologist said I didn’t have to have radiation, considering all factors. Grade 1 IDC, good margins and low ONCOType score. Some microscopic undetectable cells may have gone unseen, but no one knows. Anyone decide not to have radiation? Thanks, and Blessings
Replies to "Well, here I am again studying about radiation after lumpectomy. I’m 73, so the Radiologist said..."
Im 73 ( as of yesterday) had unilateral mastectomy in February. 2 tumors ER +HER2-2 positive sentinel nodes + 5 axillary ( next in line) negative. Favorable ONCOTYPE Suggested no benefit to chemo… breast surgeons did not recommend radiation but rad oncologist did. Ultimately I declined. I’m on AI , Anastrozole, for 5 or more years , 7 mos. So far and no obvious side effects. I feel fortunate about that.
Rough decision going against rad oncologist BUT … check out the clinical trial TAILOR RT. From a BC protocol I fit the criteria. One arm is AI only and one arm is AI plus standard radiation. Bottom line, with certain characteristics radiation may not be necessary… just as chemo was found to be unnecessary with certain characteristics. I opted to not accept radiation. I feel good about my decision. Interesting.
Decisions we need to make are complicated and scary. Generally I feel like this was right for me.
Wishing you the best on your journey. 🌸
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I decided against radiation, But had mastectomy. I had lymphovascular invasion though and grade 3.
It helped me when a doc told me that everyone has cancer cells floating around and the immune system takes care of them. The doc told me it isn't about how many but about the cells' ability to travel and settle and multiply. With grade 1 and low Oncotype, it would seem your cells would be less dangerous, if they did "go unseen," but ask your doctor to discuss this!