Connect
Deciding on radiation or not
So, I have been going back and forth about radiation now for awhile. I am trying to pursue Proton Beam which seems safe enough considering my tumor bed is directly over my heart. So for me I know I wont' do regular radiation. But this is what perplexes me and makes my decision difficult. Basically 3 out of 100 women like me will have a recurrence without radiation, with radiation 2 out of 100 will have a recurrence. I read that and think...is radiation worth it? bearing in my mind my tumor was low grade, tiny and no lymph nodes, clear margins and very well behaving, it actually decreased in size over 6 months prior to surgery.
Is it time to just walk away from treatment and enjoy my good fortune?
I'd appreciate any input.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I do not believe that the size of your breast will change at all. I had radiation on the left side, and did not even get tired from it. However, I did get cancer in the left breast again after about 26 years BUT my oncologist moved without telling me and I was remiss in not finding another one. so no checkups for decades. Also did have heart disease, again not until I was in my 80’s.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 Reactions@frogjumper hi! I came across your post and wondering what was your decision about radiation.... I am in similar situation with awaiting lumpectomy on the left breast and then facing most likely radiation . I have a small breast and I think that is another concern that after lumpectomy there will be not much left and radiation will be so close to heart . Hope you are doing fine and I am sure you made the right decision. 💕
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsI had proton radiation finishing in August of 2022 for breast cancer after a bilateral mastectomy due to positive margins. I was told by Mayo Clinic that the proton radiation is less damaging to the healthy tissue and lower risk of complications with expanders in place. I had 30 treatments, the last 5 were a boost. Mepitel film saved my skin. The nurse puts it on before radiation and it can stay on through the entire course of treatment. With my sensitive skin I only had some wet peeling where it didn't stick well under my armpit due to the hot weather. Just my opinion but I would push for the proton radiation.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions'Wishing you success in your search, and adding blessings and hope.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI don’t understand tissue removal on the heart muscle. This sounds really scary. God bless you in your journey. I’m still trying to get a consult for proton therapy.
I'm considering exactly that option. I am awaiting date/time for oncologist's appointment, but he only sees his patients once a year.
This sounds distressing. Can the surgeon really refuse treatment unless you agree to the radiation? Has a radiation oncologist weighed in? I was treated separately--first surgery, then referral. But I never promised to do any particular course of radiation or even any at all. (Did end up with 15 treatments). Might you need a second opinion, or a surgeon who is more willing to work with you as a person?
@salamander, I am at peace as well. Also too it makes me feel better knowing that a few other things are on my side, namely my good health, not smoking or drinking and now even going to the gym 🙂 My feelings were I don't have a high risk tumor so why throw high risk treatments at it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@frogjumper so I am in your same boat (same diagnosis) I think. I decided not to take tamoxifen. My chances of recurrance are so low and I don’t think I can deal with side effects.
Any advice. Talking to a few more people on it but I am at peace with my decision.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsDid you take endocrine therapy?