pamelasantacruz
The only reason I had 30 radiation treatments was because I had lymph node involvement with 1 of the cancerous lymph nodes breaking through into the lymphatic system. Due to the neuroendocrine findings, I was advised by one group to have chemo used in lung cancer patients which is very toxic. Following that, my case was reviewed by three Tumor Boards and my oncologist then advised against the chemo at that point because of all the side effects. I had already had TC chemo for my first diagnosis of invasive ductal cancer (IDC), followed by the second surgery cleaning out the first IDC as the first didn't have wide enough margins and then removing the second tumor (neuroendocrine) as well as partial mastectomies. Thesecondopinion.org (in San Francisco that includes UCSF, Kaiser, Presbyterian Hospital, Stanford specialists) was the group that advised the lung cancer protocol and the three Tumor Boards that advised against were Kaiser Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Oakland. It has been almost 6 years now and "fingers crossed," no more cancer. However, I do have 6-month to yearly PET scans as well as yearly 3-D mammograms. You need to look into thoroughly what effects will be imparted by the radiation therapy as well. Since you would be the one receiving the treatments, it is going to be your final decision. I do not regret mine. Please let me know how you do. I'll be praying for you.