Fear of radiation after lumpectomy

Posted by diane12 @diane12, Apr 19, 2018

I was seriously thinking of refusing radiation after lumpectomy because I had complete removal of tumor with wide negative margins. I was convinced that there would be no lung, rib, or heart radiation by using the prone(lying on stomach) with breast hanging down. They have been very careful with treatments & very accommodating so after 4 treatments I am feeling more secure by my decision to do this to ensure all cancer was caught.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 21, 2023

Just read this on radiation for older women:
https://www.statnews.com/2023/02/15/older-breast-cancer-patients-study-radiation-survival-rates/

timely | @timely | Feb 20, 2023

Hi cctoo:

Have you talked to your radiation oncologist about this? Did he show you the radiation plan and the breath holding method for left sided breast cancer? Did he show you on the screen where radiation would be directed? Did you get a 2nd opinion?

I have one more full breast left sided radiation tomorrow and then 6 boost on the tumor. 21 in total.

coloradored | @coloradored | Feb 20, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@coloradored, have you talked to your radio-oncologist and/or surgeon about this swelling? Does it come and..." + (show)

My oncologist thinks the breast swelling will eventually decrease & she does believe that it us a result of the radiation. And, no- the swelling is a constant & lymphedema PT had no effect. I see my radiation oncologist for my last followup with him (one year post treatment). When I saw him for my 6 month follow-up, he said that none of his other patients experienced that. I had hypofractionated partial breast radiation twice a day for 5 consecutive days. He did tell me at my 6 month follow-up that he now has his patients take one day off between. I would definitely ask your radiation oncologist about his/her preferred protocol.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 20, 2023

In reply to @cctoo "I cancelled my radiation set up appt today as so scared. Because of being on left..." + (show)

@cctoo, did you reschedule to have radiation?
Like @crteelect, I also urge you to talk about your fears with your radiation-oncologist. They can help you make your decision based on facts specific to your medical history and not fear. Keep asking questions until you feel comfortable that you've understood the risks and the benefits of treatment.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 20, 2023

In reply to @coloradored "I had a lumpectomy followed by 1 week of radiation twice a day for a total..." + (show)

@coloradored, have you talked to your radio-oncologist and/or surgeon about this swelling? Does it come and go?

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @anjalima "You are dealing with so much. I’m Holding you in my heart. 💕" + (show)

yes thank you so much

anjalima | @anjalima | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @cctoo "SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE GOOD DOCTORS. Mine no. Tried to schedule appt with rad onc follow..." + (show)

You are dealing with so much. I’m Holding you in my heart. 💕

Reine (Reen Carter) | @reine | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @crteelect "It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals..." + (show)

Thank you.

Reine (Reen Carter) | @reine | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @crteelect "It is hard not to think of our health history's but remember that we are individuals..." + (show)

Yes, thank you.

tasha35 | @tasha35 | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @tctredwell1 "Thank you so much for your reply! I’m due to have 20 sessions of radiation and..." + (show)

You will be fine.. take deep breathes and tell yourself it's for YOU.. Many many woman and Men have radiation.. try to trust these doctors know what they are doing.. When I was done with my 16 sessions, my 2 daughters were outside waiting for me with balloons and signs.. Ya Mom you did it.. I cried, no I didn't want to do that radiation in my body, but it was to protect me from cancer cells still being there.. Good luck to you.. have faith. xxxx hugs.. we can do this!