Hi everyone- I guess I can say I have my "treatment" plan and am moving forward. I met with a few different radiation onco and I wanted to share first my finds on the proton beam for breast. While my lumpectomy was on the right side, even for those on the left- proton beam is not necessarily better or safer. The specialist from the proton beam center at MGH explained the results as some have mentioned do carry risks like rib cage fractures but also given the expense many centers will offer for breast cancer if they have the availability (cost benefit, insurance etc involved). I also learned that there was a recent UK study done which did show similar outcomes for those treated by regular external beam radiation for a week and for those treated 4-6 weeks. However, at Dana Farber the radiation team is very conservative and this study only studied outcomes for 5 -10 years and they like to see 20yrs. I'm 57 ILC, 1.8c, ER+, HER- and my oncotype was 14. I was relieved that I could skip chemo and decided to go with the recommended 19-20 treatments of full breast radiation (I have small breasts so I guess that makes sense to me). Two weeks after radiation, I will start with Letrozole for 5 years which really scares me but my oncologist said there was no way out of that. My radiation mapping was yesterday and the plan is for me to start radiation on 12/27 (roughly a month since surgery). Hope this info helps - I will stay in touch. xoxo