Anyone forego radiation? Research, personal experience, outcomes
I’m 71 year old recently diagnosed with stage one grade 3 triple positive lobular cancer. To date I have had a lumpectomy and two sentinel lymph nodes removed. I finished chemotherapy and still have nine months of Herceptin infusions remaining. I am possibly starting radiation in several weeks and then will be placed on hormone therapy after that, the radiation oncologist told me I am at high risk of developing breast lymphedema from the radiation. I researched this side effect and is one that I definitely do not want. I have looked at studies that have shown radiation can be omitted in my age group with little impact when you have had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, Herceptin and hormone therapy. I am wondering if anyone else has faced this decision or forgotten radiation treatment. Thank you for your consideration and answering this question.
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@luckbme - Doctors cover themselves and each other. You are right, we have to listen carefully and observe...as well as know our risks. Getting second opinions was the best thing I did for myself in this situation.
@crspedsrn - yes. Grade 3 is considered aggressive. I am sorry. That is what I had too.