Fear of radiation after lumpectomy

I cancelled my radiation set up appt today as so scared. Because of being on left side..worry about heart and lung damage and they keep us alive.

I understand completely. I had the same fears as I have a nasty family history of pulmonary issues. Currently my lung tests and scan that I have had are very good. Before I even made the decision of which type of surgery to have, I had a conference call with my surgical oncologist and my lung doctor. My lung doctor , in practice for 40 years, has only seen 1 or 2 cases of radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis. But he and the surgical oncologist were citing much lower stats than I had read. I wasn't convinced. So, they arranged for a consultation with my radiation oncologist. We went over how the radiation is done and how she targets the tumor area while I am doing a deep inhalation breath hold. That technique helps move thelung out of the way a bit. At the consultation my radiation oncologist showed me the pictures of other patients and how little of the lung is at risk. I started my radiation on 1/30, 8 down - 7 to go. Following my 1st she showed me my pictures. The treatment she has designed for me the lungs are out of the target area. I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1A HR+HER2- tumor was 4mm with 8 mm clear margins and negative nodes. The tumor was so small that typing wasn't done as there might not been enough tissue to test. I urge you to talk with your radiation oncologist. Good luck.

SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE GOOD DOCTORS.
Mine no. Tried to schedule appt with rad onc follow up but no luck. I have stage 3 IDC in lymph nodes in armpit which surgery remo. No tumor. just an area where nodes were. Am 86, alone, and want to be able to have some energy to shop, cook drive, etc. Am already tired and days I can't get dressed, let alone go every day to hospital. My lungs are collapsed, and modules on them. One needs another CT scan. Have heart valve issues too. Want to go to Florida but no energy. The enlarged lymph node was discovered on ultrasound when feeling good!! I had to move from my home days before surgery , which I'm still dealing with Clearing out to sell.hopefully. Prayers needs.

Prayers being said. That is a lot to handle.

I understand completely. I had the same fears as I have a nasty family history of pulmonary issues. Currently my lung tests and scan that I have had are very good. Before I even made the decision of which type of surgery to have, I had a conference call with my surgical oncologist and my lung doctor. My lung doctor , in practice for 40 years, has only seen 1 or 2 cases of radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis. But he and the surgical oncologist were citing much lower stats than I had read. I wasn't convinced. So, they arranged for a consultation with my radiation oncologist. We went over how the radiation is done and how she targets the tumor area while I am doing a deep inhalation breath hold. That technique helps move thelung out of the way a bit. At the consultation my radiation oncologist showed me the pictures of other patients and how little of the lung is at risk. I started my radiation on 1/30, 8 down - 7 to go. Following my 1st she showed me my pictures. The treatment she has designed for me the lungs are out of the target area. I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1A HR+HER2- tumor was 4mm with 8 mm clear margins and negative nodes. The tumor was so small that typing wasn't done as there might not been enough tissue to test. I urge you to talk with your radiation oncologist. Good luck.

I’ve wondered about things like that since both my parents died youngish from cancers. My father had lung cancer, and my mother had throat cancer.

Hi. My radiation treatments were rescheduled to allow more time for healing. Now my “programming session” is set for March 6th.

I was on the verge of hysteria I was so afraid of radiation. Then I remembered a friend suggested YouTube so I typed in breast cancer radiation and found a wonderful video by a young woman who was going through the process herself (several years ago - now she’s posting about her new baby!) Anyway, the video I found so helpful was entitled “Breast Cancer Radiation Tips & Skin Update” by Samantha Lynn. After watching her video, which gives 10 great tips from someone who knows, I went from almost hysterical with fear to calm and more confident. Not thrilled but much more comfortable with the decision. Hope this helps.

Hi, I had radiation in 2021.. I had an awful fear of it also.. I weighed out all the pros and cons.. researched everything I possibly could.. I feared that radiation.. but after lumpectomy and all the tests and things that came before it.. and all my reaseach I finally decided, I was going to do the radiation for ME.. I realized that just taking the lump out there could still be a tiny few cells of cancer they didn't get.. and what was I going to do wait around until it reared its ugly head again.. Oh was I going to jaz it with radiation! I went wit hit it with all they had to offer.. I had 16 rounds of radiation, it didn't hurt, I had a slight rash and put the cream they said I should on it, it was tight and sore for a while... and I had to weigh out those dam pills.. I read and read about them, and again, decided to do it for ME.. My daughter said don't do it Mom. but if it can keep cancer cells down.. why not.. I had invasive ductal stage 1, no lymph nodes involved.. but my margins weren't clear so they took out extra.. all this scared me.. so hence the radiation and Anastrozole.. it was for ME.. I have Aunts that are in their late 90's.. I'm going to get there too.. !!! do what you do for YOU.. hugs to you xxxx

Thank you so much for your reply!
I’m due to have 20 sessions of radiation and I already bought the cream.
If my oncologist recommends the AI meds I will take them unless they make me really sick. Hope not.
Thanks again and take care!