This is of immediate interest to me. I'm having a lumpectomy this week. The cancer is rare, and fast moving. My oncologist gave me 6-18 months to live. The surgeon is more optimistic. So--radiation? I have serious co-morbities: progressing kidney disease, diabetes, early heart disease, and an impaired pulmony function among them. The tumor is in my left breast, over my functional lung (the right one is scarred and partially destroyed from an infection decades ago).
Initially I just thought I'd treat the cancer (neuroendocrine tumor in breast, grade 3, HER, cancer in lymph. I've been told Stage 2 and Stage 3 from different consults.) in a low key fashion and enjoy life as long as I can. I'm on an A-I--no problems. So--question--do I have the life expectancy to make 6 weeks of radiation and the risks worthwhile? If I don't, I can probably go to the Grand Canyon with the time. Of course I and my family will consult with a radiation oncologist. But maybe you all have insights or advice?