Radiation and survival stats

cordelia

I have completed 8 rounds of chemo, mastectomy, and 33 rounds of radiation. Everyone thinks I should be celebrating, but I am having a hard time controlling my fear now. I am constantly looking for survival stories and stats.



Does anyone know why the survival calculators don't ask about radiation? I want to see that going there every day will have a very positive effect on my survival stats. I had "extensive axilary adenopathy" and was assured that I must do radiation to improve my odds.



Thanks so much for any info.

Cordelia (stage 2b, grade 3)

Alicethecat

Hello Cordelia

I think you'll like these reports:

Benefits of radiation after mastectomy

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/06/02/radiation.after.mastectomy.improves.breast.cancer.survival

Benefits of radiation after lumpectomy

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/health/research/20cancer.html?_r=0

By the way, NICE in the UK recommends radiation after mastectomy for grade 3 tumours near the chest wall and other high-risk factors.

I galloped towards radiation and sleep well in my bed most nights.

Hope you do too!

Best wishes

Alice

cordelia

Wow....thank you Alice! The benefit of radiation in my case seems pretty clear. So glad I did it. My MO said not necessary. When I told the RO this, she nearly fell out of her chair. The look on her face convinced me it was needed. The article you shared has taken the panic out of me for the first time in days. Thank you so much.

Alicethecat

Hi Cordelia

I am so happy that the info I shared with you has helped.

The ladies on this board have helped me to get through treatment by sharing experience and knowledge.

With every good wish for your good health!

Best wishes

Alice

SpecialK

cordelia - I did not have radiation, both BS and MO did not think I needed it, but it is very common to feel a bit more panic once active treatment is over.  A lot of people feel like they are not being watched as closely, and not "doing" anything to prevent recurrence.  Knowing that you have done the recommended treatment should offer some comfort, you just need to adapt your mindset to moving forward with confidence.  I know that can be difficult but I think the "tincture of time" will help.  Best to you!

rozem

cordelia - my RO told me that for every 4 cases of local reaccurance rads prevents in also prevents one distant reaccurance so yes it does affect survival

cordelia

Thank you, friends. Special K.... That is exactly how I am feeling. I am more terrified now than I was at diagnosis. Rozem....thanks for that stat. Very good to know. I know in time I will feel more confident....just wasn't prepared for so much fear at this point.

SelenaWolf

One of the reasons I elected regional node Radiation in addition to whole breast radiation was the 1/4 statistic quoted by rozem above.  25% was significant for me.