Radiation after lumpectomy

Posted by sbeechl @sbeechl, 1 day ago

I had er+pr+Her2- ki-67 93 and oncotype doc 56. I went through chemo where the tumor disappeared. Lumpectomy with 12 lymph node removal and one node positive. I have a ICD. I don’t want to do radiation. I have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with obstruction. I don’t know what to do. Any advice?

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My doctor told me they did radiation after the lumpectomy because he found cancer in 3 lymph nodes. Otherwise he wouldn't have had me do it. I was 79 at the time. Now 4 years later, the cancer has not returned. I didn't do taxmoxifin either.

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It might help to get a 2nd opinion from a young oncologist who might be more experienced with recent new oral drugs. Of course it’s very complex, but if there is a non radiation alternative, it’s good to find out.

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I had DCIS 22 years ago with L mastectomy, refused tamoxifen. Negative sentinel nodes. This year had a fluke mammogram and L breast showed a recurrence. Removed implant, tumor to a flat chest a few months ago. Radiologist did Not Recommend radiation. I made it clear I wanted proton beam radiation if it was necessary. The machines are scattered but not prevalent. Oncology recommended Tamoxifen. Tried for 3 weeks. Doubled my BP med due to BP but never got rid of headache so I stopped it. I am 70 so I am quite comfortable with my decisions. You can log into ChatGPT with google or Apple ID. It’s free. I entered a lot of my test results and got great info on there. My oncologist will not be happy next month over the tamoxifen stoppage but it is my life. If she is disrespectful of my decision, I will transfer my care.

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I had DCIS 22 years ago with L mastectomy, refused tamoxifen. Negative sentinel nodes. This year had a fluke mammogram and L breast showed a recurrence. Removed implant, tumor to a flat chest a few months ago. Radiologist did Not Recommend radiation. I made it clear I wanted proton beam radiation if it was necessary. The machines are scattered but not prevalent. Oncology recommended Tamoxifen. Tried for 3 weeks. Doubled my BP med due to BP but never got rid of headache so I stopped it. I am 70 so I am quite comfortable with my decisions. You can log into ChatGPT with google or Apple ID. It’s free. I entered a lot of my test results and got great info on there. My oncologist will not be happy next month over the tamoxifen stoppage but it is my life. If she is disrespectful of my decision, I will transfer my care.

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@part
Hi. Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed at 75 years in Feb 2025. Stage 1 - IDC. No lymph nodes involved. I had a lumpectomy (tumor was 8 mm) and then radiation. I chose radiation because I knew I was going to refuse the AIs. My oncologist was not happy with my decision. I already have tons of issues that will be exacerbated by the AIs. I cannot tolerate more fatigue. Onco score was 1 and I had no genetic mutations. Jesus take the wheel! Prayers for your continued good health. I forgot - Onco made me stop vaginal estrogen because I refused the AIs. We will see how long I last. I was using it for vaginal atrophy to help with urinary tract issues. She did not know if I could continue taking triptans for migraines I have had since I was 12. She has not looked at any of the meds I am taking. She did do the bone scan. I still have osteopenia (since 2009). Funny thing is all the blood work she had me take the day before the last appointment, she didn't even address until I asked. She was nearly out the door.

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