Deciding on radiation or not

Posted by frogjumper @frogjumper, May 17, 2023

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.

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@judydarlene

I just had a lumpectomy 5-3-23. Age 70. ILC, Invasive Lobular Cradinoma, 1.3 cm mass, Estrogen & Projestoren +, HER2-. Nothing found in lymph nodes. I am also, contemplating if I should have radiation. That seems to be the standard protocal, however, I have read studies with women over 65, radiation may not be necessary, but AI would be recommended. I have a second issue, as the cancer is in the left breast, and I also, have a pacemaker in same breast. If I decide on radiation, than I would need another surgery to move the pacemaker to the other side.
I am concerned about damaging the heart as well. I would like to know where you found the information on 3 out of 100 women will have recurrence without radiation. I look forward to hearing back.

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The statistic I was given today at my surgeons office was 40% recurrence without radiation and 7-10 % with radiation usually within the first 2 years after surgery. I am 67 years old. I do not want to have to have another surgery so I am seriously thinking about radiation. My lumpectomy was on the left side directly over my heart. I was told by a radiology technician that there is a technique of holding your breath to expand your lungs during the treatment. This increases the distance between the radiation and the heart. It’s a tough decision along with taking endocrine blockers for 5 years with low grade DCIS.

REPLY

I just had a lumpectomy 5-3-23. Age 70. ILC, Invasive Lobular Cradinoma, 1.3 cm mass, Estrogen & Projestoren +, HER2-. Nothing found in lymph nodes. I am also, contemplating if I should have radiation. That seems to be the standard protocal, however, I have read studies with women over 65, radiation may not be necessary, but AI would be recommended. I have a second issue, as the cancer is in the left breast, and I also, have a pacemaker in same breast. If I decide on radiation, than I would need another surgery to move the pacemaker to the other side.
I am concerned about damaging the heart as well. I would like to know where you found the information on 3 out of 100 women will have recurrence without radiation. I look forward to hearing back.

REPLY
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