Fear of radiation after lumpectomy

I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation, ending a year ago. The radiation was easy. I don't want to take hormone therapy. I'm 81 years old and tromping around fine. I got neuropathy from the chemo and found help with my balance and pain with a patch from VoxxLife. When my port was removed I think it took longer to heal than what was normal for me and I believe it was from the radiation on my breast.

Also, I forgot to mention that my mom died of breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy, radiation therapy, and Tamoxifen for 6.5 years and still got a recurrence. The radiation and Tamoxifen gave her many bad side effects and her quality of life sucked! That also influenced my decision to forgo the radiation and aromatase inhibitors and go for the natural treatments.

Hi,
I also declined the radiation and aromatase inhibitors because I did not want the intense side effects to ruin my quality of life. My family was upset at first, but they know it was my choice. I did not want to do nothing, so I found a really good Naturopath and I am doing many natural treatments. One of them is taking the Artemisinin pills - one per day - which you can order on Amazon for $27.00 a bottle. There is Artemisinin that can be administered by intravenous, but it is not allowed in the province where I live. I am also doing Mistletoe injections which I give to myself - 2 to 3 time per week. I know these are allowed in the US if that is where you live. I am taking many other Homeopathic supplements as well as trying to follow a vegan/ vegetarian diet (about 75 to 80% of the time lol!!). I did have a partial mastectomy last February. When I told the surgeon in June that I had decided not to do the radiation and hormone therapies, she said I would likely not have a recurrence anyway. I am 72 years old,
and I want to have the best quality of life for the time I have left. This is a very personal decision, so each person must do what they really believe will work for them. I read a few books on preventing cancer the natural way. One was "Chris Beat Cancer' and another was "Keep Your Breasts". Somewhere I read that a big part in having a treatment work was believing in it. So, if you believe in the mastectomy/radiation/chemotherapy/hormone treatments, then that is what you should do. If you believe in the natural treatments, then that is what you should do. It is your body and your life that has to be lived, so you need to follow your heart. Good luck in whatever choice you make.

I’m thinking against radiation for my situation & am wondering if anyone else has/had a similar situation. I was diagnosed with DCIS grade 2, ER/PR+. The area of DCIS was small, .2cm dimension. I has a Stereotactic biopsy that apparently removed all of the DCIS. I had a lumpectomy to be sure nothing remained. The pathology report came back with zero cancer present, confirming it was all already removed. I’m still being recommended for radiation since this is “standard” care. After extensive research on radiating the breast & seeing the problems that can continue to present years later I’m thinking about passing on radiation. My thought is that since you can only radiate each breast 1x & if I did have a reoccurrence in the same breast of DCIS or an IBC then my only choice left would be a mastectomy if I follow through now. I will try the hormone suppression since my type was positive for both. I’m currently waiting on results for the Oconotype DX DCIS genomic test to see what my chance of reoccurrence is & I’ll finalize my decision depending on the results.. I will be monitored every 6 months by a mammogram followed by a breast MRI 6 months later so anything that shows up would be caught early, within 6 months. If so, then another lumpectomy might be possible instead of a mastectomy. I’d like to keep future options open since I now have a higher statistical chance for another breast cancer since having DCIS.

Good Morning Gentle Warriors.

It’s amazing to learn of all the similarities and differences we each come to this journey with, and the incredible learning curve required to make such important and complicated decisions. I am honored to be part of this group where we can ask and offer and learn from each other. 🌸

My story is I just had lumpectomy last week, 3 mm size. Estrogen positive, progesterone negative and HER negative. Tumor was actually removed when I had biopsy but surgeon still removed a golf ball size bit plus lymph tissue. Sentinel node was negative, hallelujah! Because of small size, may not get oncotype test. But will do genetic testing on about 30 genes. If any are bad, will do double mastectomy. Otherwise radiation and estrogen blocker for 5-10 years, the latter more concerning to me regarding bone health. So one day at a time.

Hi, I too am awaiting OncoType test to determine treatment options. I am concerned with the standard prescribed radiation/inhibitor for 5year plan protocols.
I took HRT for over 30years, so am currently experiencing the dreaded menopause symptoms. At 73years of age, will I benefit from years of AI or will it reduce considerably my quality of life. I have a family history of Osterporosis and Leukemia.
Let me know how your journey proceeds, I’ll be watching and hoping all goes well for you!

Wow, I can’t believe how similar our stories seem. I, too was recently diagnosed w/IDC stage 1. I had surgery at Mayo and am awaiting the OncoType test. My preliminary meeting with the oncologist seemed very prescribed protocols, including radiation and hormone inhibitors. I am 73, small frame and concerned with Osteoporosis. My father, his brother, and a first cousin died of leukemia as well.
Please let me know how you fare gaining any info or insight to your current status on future treatments.
Your friend, Elliej

@anjalima thank you so much for your input and I hope you are doing well in your journey! I think that sounds like a good idea trying out an AI just to see if I have any reactions. I also tend to have strong reactions to meds (and allergic reactions). I am 61 and am post-menopausal. I was originally taking HRT meds before being diagnosed with breast cancer (due to extreme hot flashes and feeling sick from menopause symptoms). I am leaning toward trying an AI (my surgeon mentioned letrozole) and foregoing the radiation, unless I can find some more definite data showing risk/benefit. I also need to evaluate based on my Oncotype results, which I have not yet received.

I have not seen any studies. I had a mastectomy so my situation is quite different as no breast tissue remains ( theoretically). I can say that I am one of those who has very strong reactions to medications. That said, I am taking an AROMATASE inhibitor ( Anastrozole) and in month 6 and I am not experiencing any noticeable symptoms ( possible slight hair thinning which has lessened so may be a response to the surgery/anesthesia). So my gut response, with ER positive, is to try it and see if it is in fact a problem for you. Age and menopause status may also play a factor.

I’m truly sympathetic to your concerns and one would hope for more research to address these questions and concerns on a more targeted and individualized basis.
I hope you find a peaceful path on this journey. 🌸