Deciding on radiation or not

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!

I had 16 proton beam radiation treatments to left chest and left axila--armpit, left upper side and from armpit to elbow. All done at MN Mayo. All MD's greenlighted the procedure. No cautions or warnings!! I had sunburned skin for4-5 weeks easily treated with Vanicream twice each day. I WOULD ask proton radiation oncologist about this issue because I think you have been given incorrect advice. Proton is the safest. I had no problems and am an old warhorse at 83+!! Blessings to you!

Your situation mirrors mine; cancer directly over the heart. Only full doses of radiation are recommended for me, and I have continually said, "No", which really antagonizes the surgeon. Without radiation, the surgeon will only preform a radical mastectomy, even though I have had two surgeries last year (1. lumpectomy+ and removal of lymph nodes; 2. tissue removal on the heart muscle to achieve clear margins). If I agree to seven weeks of radiation, he will "snip" the current tumors which appeared along the lymph node incision, and I will save what is left of my breast. I have been warned of a possible heart attack.

@dick61
Getting ready to start rad for stage 1 IDC lymph node + on Left breast. Radiation oncologist is pushing rad and said proton is not used for breast and would be harder on my skin and the implant placed during reconstructing. They’re going to rad the lower lymph too.
I have access to proton in my area. I’m 69 and want to keep my heart and lungs safe for many more years of life. Thoughts?

I had 35 rads 16 yrs ago for grade 1 DCIS in my right breast. I had significant burned tissue towards the end and had to discontinue Tamoxifen after 2 yrs due to cognitive issues with word retrieval and memory. I was diagnosed w grade 3 DCIS in my left breast this Feb and just completed 15 rads w daily boost. It was a new breast cancer (not a recurrence). The radiation was very different this time and I had minimal pain/burn even with the daily boosts. They are very careful in mapping the radiation and the radiation is more precise then in the past so less tissue is damaged. Best of luck in your journey.

Watching you virtually, as you have tackled this has been an inspiration.
I am so glad to know you went kayaking on the 4th. Helping us all remember why we do this, …………..to have more time the people and things we love.
Are you done with treatment now or are you on endocrine therapy?

To be certain that you are not 1 of the 2 people per 100, pursue proton bean radiation. I had 16 treatments and felt much more confidant that I could beat those odds. I am 83 and 2+ years out from surgery and treatment. Good luck.

I celebrate with you.
I just started my AC treatment for TNBC , stage 2 and have been very weak and nauseous. But yes, I am pressing forward and hoping at the end it will be ok.

I am doing amazing!
For my stage 3 HER2 diagnosis- my double mastectomy, radiation and additional 14 rounds of chemo, gave me my life to move forward!
So, radiation was traditional but over my right breast. If over my left I would have done proton.
I have radiated skin and also had skin spraring so no nipple and fully reconstructed as of may 8th 2023.
I was kayaking today July 4th!
Yes, I have different feelings but….love my life and would have redid my plan if I had to do it over!!
20 months - just have courageous and meet your treatment plan -
I have no regrets! None of us think this is going to happen to us, Fit, healthy, energetic, and life was good!
However, we were diagnosed, stage 3 - move forward continue to live life and take on your treatment plan with your Doctors with the tenacious way we go after life. Is it easy NO, but you WILL be ok!
I am amazing and healthy after 9-28-21 to 6-30-2023
My new normal still has me being a Mom, friend, sister and now a new grandmother!
Plus never missed a day of work, as I love my work

Thank you for sharing this. Always lots of negative posts but I think more post about the benefits outweighing the side effects is great.
I am not really a Pollyanna but I try.😘