diane12 (@diane12)

Nanaloves I had Gr 1-2 invasive E+ & PR+ but no node involvement. I chose to have 15 days of intense rads to left breast after lumpectomy due to them finding DCIS. I also chose Tamoxifen rather than Arimex due to the side effects & also previous arthritis. Have not regreted my decision & have had very little problem. Have been on Tamoxifen for 9 months.

I was diagnosed at age 63 with Grade 2-ER & Pro+-HER negative. My one sister who is 2 yrs younger had same type of tumor found when she was 52 on Right breast. Mine was found in Left breast. She has been in remission after lumpectomy & radiation & Tamoxifen & Aromatase. I felt strongly that I wanted a bilateral mastectomy so I wouldn't have to have radiation or any further fears of more cancer. My surgeon at Mayo-Rochester Dr Ratz convinced me & my husband that the lumpectomy could be out patient & would require 6 weeks of recuperation, whereas the mastectomy could be 6 months to a year or more of recuperation & required 2-3 days of hospitalization. They found during lumpectomy I also had low grade DCIS so had wide margins but all neg & also 2 Sentinel nodes taken that were neg. After 15 radiation targeted to left breast only, I feel better than I have for years. I continue to take the Tamoxifen & will for 5 years. Only side affect I have had is inability to wear pieced earrings due to itching & burning. I am very happy that I changed my mind & hopefully my outcome will be similar to my little sister. We are the only one out of 5 girls & one boy to have breast cancer. I have & will continue with prayers & yearly mammograms & close watching every 6 months by Breast Clinic nurses.

I too had itching of nipple for 1 year before lump appeared. Turned out the invasive BC was under the large cyst I felt first. It was caught early & after lumpectomy & 15 Rads I am feeling great & breast looks great. I had opted for mastectomy but surgeon said unnecessary & after listening to recovery time of lumpectomy, chose the lumpectomy & glad I did. I feel actually more healthy 4 months after diagnosis & treatment than I have for years.

Congratulations on the 20+ yr survivorship. I guess the old saying no pain – no gain is correct. I have the rash too & it really is a pain.

I totally agree with @sita & wish everyone strength & knowledge to make the right decisions for their condition.

I agree with you with chemo. The damage from it outweighed the drop in risk. Not worth it.

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.

I have been on Tamoxifen for 1 1/2 months. Haven't noticed any side effects except having itching of my pierced ears even with sterling silver earring I have worn for years. Find I have to take them out more frequently.