1. < Breast Cancer

Fear of radiation after lumpectomy

Posted by diane12 @diane12, Apr 19, 2018

I was seriously thinking of refusing radiation after lumpectomy because I had complete removal of tumor with wide negative margins. I was convinced that there would be no lung, rib, or heart radiation by using the prone(lying on stomach) with breast hanging down. They have been very careful with treatments & very accommodating so after 4 treatments I am feeling more secure by my decision to do this to ensure all cancer was caught.

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Reine (Reen Carter) | @reine | Feb 11, 2023
In reply to @crteelect "It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals..." + (show)
@crteelect

It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals with years the medical advances and can only make the choices that are right for us. Keep asking questions.

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Yes, thank you.

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Reine (Reen Carter) | @reine | Feb 11, 2023
In reply to @crteelect "It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals..." + (show)
@crteelect

It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals with years the medical advances and can only make the choices that are right for us. Keep asking questions.

Jump to this post

Thank you.

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anjalima | @anjalima | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @cctoo "SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE GOOD DOCTORS. Mine no. Tried to schedule appt with rad onc follow..." + (show)
@cctoo

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.

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You are dealing with so much. I’m Holding you in my heart. 💕

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cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @anjalima "You are dealing with so much. I’m Holding you in my heart. 💕" + (show)
@anjalima

You are dealing with so much. I’m Holding you in my heart. 💕

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yes thank you so much

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 20, 2023
In reply to @coloradored "I had a lumpectomy followed by 1 week of radiation twice a day for a total..." + (show)
@coloradored

I had a lumpectomy followed by 1 week of radiation twice a day for a total of 10 sessions. It's been one year & I've been experiencing breast swelling ever since.

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@coloradored, have you talked to your radio-oncologist and/or surgeon about this swelling? Does it come and go?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 20, 2023
In reply to @cctoo "I cancelled my radiation set up appt today as so scared. Because of being on left..." + (show)
@cctoo

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.

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@cctoo, did you reschedule to have radiation?
Like @crteelect, I also urge you to talk about your fears with your radiation-oncologist. They can help you make your decision based on facts specific to your medical history and not fear. Keep asking questions until you feel comfortable that you've understood the risks and the benefits of treatment.

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coloradored | @coloradored | Feb 20, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@coloradored, have you talked to your radio-oncologist and/or surgeon about this swelling? Does it come and..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@coloradored, have you talked to your radio-oncologist and/or surgeon about this swelling? Does it come and go?

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My oncologist thinks the breast swelling will eventually decrease & she does believe that it us a result of the radiation. And, no- the swelling is a constant & lymphedema PT had no effect. I see my radiation oncologist for my last followup with him (one year post treatment). When I saw him for my 6 month follow-up, he said that none of his other patients experienced that. I had hypofractionated partial breast radiation twice a day for 5 consecutive days. He did tell me at my 6 month follow-up that he now has his patients take one day off between. I would definitely ask your radiation oncologist about his/her preferred protocol.

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timely | @timely | Feb 20, 2023

Hi cctoo:

Have you talked to your radiation oncologist about this? Did he show you the radiation plan and the breath holding method for left sided breast cancer? Did he show you on the screen where radiation would be directed? Did you get a 2nd opinion?

I have one more full breast left sided radiation tomorrow and then 6 boost on the tumor. 21 in total.

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coloradored | @coloradored | Feb 21, 2023

And, despite the swelling in my radiated breast, I had no other negative reactions & would choose to undergo this treatment.

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