Radiation necessary??

crspedsrn

hi,

I’m looking someone that might have my same situation. I’m 71, recently diagnosed with triple lobular breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed. I’ve had chemotherapy and I am currently on Herceptin for nine more months. I will be starting letrozole soon. My question is has anyone refused radiation due to side effects I’ve been told that there is a distinct possibility I will develop breast lymphedema. I am concerned about this because my under arm still has swelling from the lymph node removal six months ago. more months. I will be starting letrozole soon. My question is has anyone refused radiation due to I’ve been told that there is a distinct I will develop breast lymphedema. I am concerned about this because my under arm still has swelling from the lymph node six months ago. I’ve read several articles that says radiation is not always necessary with the treatments I’ve already received and my age does anyone have any experience with this?

GayleJ

I am 65 and scheduled for lumpectomy in 2 weeks. Finished chemo and it appears to heave been very successful. I too am against radiation for all of the side effects and I have other chronic illnesses that I don't want to aggravate further. I have an appointment with a radiation oncologist next week at the urging of my surgeon and oncologist. My thought is if cancer is not present in lymph nodes and margins are clear, why risk it? Would love to hear from someone who skipped radiation.

RocDocVic

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724863#Comment_1724863

Even though you had a pCR, i.e. clear margins, it's quite possible that there are stray Cancer cells outside of the lumpectomy area that are too small to be seen and weren't removed. The purpose of the radiation is to kill any remaining cells. Consider it as the final house cleaning that goes after the fine particulate dust particles. I too had a lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed during the surgery after chemo. I had a pCR, no cancer cells in the tumor and surrounding tissue, and no cancer detected in the 3 lymph nodes. I did 16 rounds of whole left breast radiation treatments. I had no issues other than a slight to medium sunburn. I used pure Aloe gel and RemeVerse cream. My Radiologist Oncologist prescribed Kenalog cream for itchy skin. I decided on radiation because I was HER2 positive with IDC and it likes to come back. It's your choice, but do ask the Radiologist Oncologist about chances for recurrence if you don't do the treatments vs if you do. Best of luck.

GayleJ

Thank you for sharing your experience. I also have HER 2+ and ER+ cancer. I’ve read studies that say at my age with my treatment protocol, radiation doesn’t improve outcomes or reduce chance of recurrence. I’ll see what the answers to my questions are next week. I appreciate your honesty!

aguzaza

Hi there 💛

Thank you for sharing your story — you’ve been through so much already, and it’s inspiring how you’re staying strong and looking for information to make the best decision for yourself. I completely understand your concern about radiation, especially with the swelling you’re already dealing with from the lymph node removal. That kind of discomfort can be really frustrating and worrying.

I haven’t been in your exact situation, but I’ve heard of others who had similar concerns about lymphedema and discussed alternative plans or reduced radiation options with their doctors. It’s definitely something worth exploring carefully.

Have you had a chance to talk with your oncologist or a lymphedema specialist about ways to lower your risk if you decide to do radiation? Sometimes they can help create a plan to protect the arm and breast area as much as possible.

You’re doing the right thing by asking questions and learning from others — that’s real strength. 🌷
How are you feeling about starting Letrozole soon?