Deciding on radiation or not

I did decide against radiation. And I am comfortable with that decisions. The hormone therapy was a hard no for me had such a fractional benefit that it was not worth the risks. Having found out this summer I have Osteopenia I think I made a good choice on the meds. Had I pursued radiation it, I would have driven the distance and done Proton for 2 weeks. They were really pushing brachytherapy for me and I thought no, it's not been around long enough to weigh in the risks.
But in any event we shall see. I have my first post surgery mammogram/ultrasound this Monday the 30th, 1 day to the year of my biopsy. Fingers crossed it comes out OK!

I shall be thinking of you and wishing you good news on the 30th! That is the day I'll be having my MRI having been diagnosed with DCIS Grade 3. The surgeon wants to see the extent of the calcifications before deciding whether lumpectomy or mastectomy (to follow soon after) would be the way to go.
I am very anxious, but knowing that you and so many others are ahead of me and forging ahead is very heartening. I don't want to have radiation and hormone therapy either! Best, best, best wishes and I promise to think of you on Monday and not just of myself.

Hi! Just weighing in with some feedback from MGH Boston as I met with proton beam team for second opinion as Dana Farber doesn't offer proton beam. At 57 yrs, ILC on right side (margins weren't great). Proton Beam was not recommended for my breast - biomarkers, etc all examined. I went with whole breast radiation (small breasts) -19 treatments with boost. I was so convinced proton beam was way to go but I will say the proton beam team was great at explaining why/how proton beam is not always the safest or best treatment. xoxoxo Good luck and I love this group!

Yes it is being done for breast cancer!!! Cuts your recurrence risk down, so much easier than AI. My proton radiation oncologist in San Diego is awesome. Much lower risk of side effects and I am using Mepitel Film to reduce risk further. Make an appointment, find out the facts and then make your decision. Best of luck to you.

I was diagnosed with DCIS and had a lumpectomy 12 years ago followed by radiation. My tumor was practically on top of the chest wall and very close to my heart, so they had me in a special room at MD Anderson where you wear goggles during the radiation and they ask you to take a deep breath at different intervals and hold it until you can see the yellow line in your vision move to the top and turn green. That tells them to do something that actually moves your heart out of the way while they radiate. Amazing! They told me with radiation, if the cancer ever came back, I would not be able to have radiation. I couldn't imagine the cancer recurring, so I went ahead and had the radiation. It wasn't a bad experience at all. I was a little more tired than normal but no pain or discomfort at all. Having to get up extra early for my 7 am appointment every day for 6 weeks contributed more to my tiredness than the radiation itself.
The radiation effect lasted for 12 years and this year I was diagnosed with IDC in the same area of the left breast and was told my only option was a full mastectomy, which I had a month ago. The path report showed clean margins all around and no cancer in the lymph nodes they removed. I find out tomorrow the results of my oncotype testing which will help the doctor make a decision on whether or not I will need chemotherapy in addition to taking an aromatase inhibitor.

Hi Cobb, I am also getting proton therapy in San Diego for left side breast cancer but have radiation dermatitis bad enough to need a short break from radiation. Is is too late for me to use Mepitel film? Only using steroid cream plus Calendula and Aquaphor but it is not helping my very fair and old skin.

THANK you for taking time and providing this info . I wish cancer would NOT come back! My thoughts and prayers to you ! Hope you don't need chemo ! 💕🙏🏻

Hi Cobb, I am also getting proton therapy in San Diego for left side breast cancer but have radiation dermatitis bad enough to need a short break from radiation. Is is too late for me to use Mepitel film? Only using steroid cream plus Calendula and Aquaphor but it is not helping my very fair and old skin.

Thanks! I don't need chemo!!! I am so happy! I found out yesterday. Just have to take anastrozole for 5 years. I'm willing to do that if it will help keep the cancer from coming back again.