Radiation or not

Posted by gerarda @gerarda, Nov 23, 2022

Hi,
I’m 77 and had a lumpectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma. ER+, Her2-, 1.4cm.
Oncologist said radiation and tamoxifen,
Tamoxifen because I have mild osteoporosis and it’s less damaging to the bones. She also said that it was reasonable for me to skip RT.
The radiologist said with radiation the chance of recurrence would be 1-2%, without radiation it would be 10%. She also said it would be okay to skip radiation because the overall survival rate is the same, with or without radiation. Has anyone had to make that choice? I would love some input. Thanks.

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mpirruccel | @mpirruccel | Nov 25, 2022

In reply to @windyshores "@gerarda -2.5 is borderline. Did you have an Oncotype test done?" + (show)

Oncologist and surgeon said no chemo needed as no lymph node involved. They said no oncotype test protocol for less than 5 mm and mine was 3 mm

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 25, 2022

In reply to @mpirruccel "Oncologist and surgeon said no chemo needed as no lymph node involved. They said no oncotype..." + (show)

It's the size that meant no Oncotype or chemo. Lots of people with no positive nodes have an Oncotype. Good luck!

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 25, 2022

In reply to @mpirruccel "My oncologist said since no lymph node involved, no chemo." + (show)

My docs go by the Oncotype on this decision, not whether there was an involved lymph node.

mpirruccel | @mpirruccel | Nov 25, 2022

Will ask oncologist about this.

gerarda | @gerarda | Nov 26, 2022

In reply to @windyshores "I am curious how docs knew no chem was needed without the Oncotype. I am sure..." + (show)

Also no lymph nodes involved.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 26, 2022

In reply to @gerarda "Also no lymph nodes involved." + (show)

@gerarda I had no lymph nodes involved but still had an Oncotype in order to decide on chemo or no chemo. But my tumor was over 5mm.

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Nov 27, 2022

I also need that answer. Had recurrance in armpit.4 of 5 nodes positive. Left side so concerned about hrsrt and lungs damsge. Am 86 . Is survival same without radiation?

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Nov 27, 2022

I also need that answer. Had recurrance in armpit.4 of 5 nodes positive. Left side so concerned about hrsrt and lungs damsge. Am 86 . Is survival same without radiation? Original onco score was 8!! been six years since lumpectomy.

surpriseca | @surpriseca | Nov 27, 2022

I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS 4mm x 6mm found on mammogram in July. Had a lumpectomy which showed no cancer as it was likely all removed with the biopsy. Did 5 radiation treatments and am now on Aromasin. Have taken 9 doses and generally feel pretty rough. Fatigue, poor sleep, just not 'right'. I am age 61 and wondering if the Aromasin is really worth it. Any thoughts? Do side effects improve? I have sent a message to my provider via portal.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 27, 2022

In reply to @surpriseca "I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS 4mm x 6mm found on mammogram in July. Had..." + (show)

For me, side effects improved. At the beginning I switched from anastrazole to letrozole and then to brand name Femara. The fillers tend to bother me.