Help.... just diagnosed.

joanf said:

I am absolutely stunned how generous you folks are with your info and kind thoughts. But I have a question .... everything I've read (and per the surgeon)for my Dx has standard treatment as lumpecotmy/radiation. Marie Lousie... I love that you said the "some would say radiation is overkill". But WHO? Can you direct me anywhere specific? I appreciate the idea of doing the right thing, but my heart really wants to do as little as possible. If I can get away without the radiation that might be a beautiful thing .

Joanf- Try going to an oncologist & see what his opinion is on radiation. Once you have a lumpectomy & radiation & if the cancer comes back your only other option is a mastectomy I was told. The radiated breast also thins & is not a good candidate for certain types of reconstruction surgery if that becomes necessary later as did mine. It also depends on the stage of cancer, the type of cancer & the location of the cancer. I had radiation the first time I had cancer & they also wanted me to take 3 rounds of chemo. I probably should have but refused. Now I have had a double mastectomy & implants & I am on my 5th of 6 chemo treatments. Radiation was a breeze. I would advise you do all you can to stop the cancer dead in its tracts now.
Good Luck & God Bless!!
Megasnana