Radiation necessary or not?

scaredashell07

hello. I am finishing chemo end of March. Haven't had my radiation oncologist appointment yet but have heard two opinions, one from my surgeon and my MO

I had one positive node out of 19. Micromets with LVI. I still don't understand or have all tbe information about the one node. It was explained that because of the LVi I'll need rads. Although the surgeon thought perhaps not because it was only one

Does it make sense that one doc might think it necessary and another not? I would guess the RO will say yes easier of the LVi. Anyone have any similar situation with one more and didn't get rads

cive

I believe that since you had a MX rather than a LX, you probably don't need radiation, but then I'm not a doctor.  Your MO or RO should be able to show you your chances of recurrence with and without radiation so that you can make an informed decision.

MinusTwo

I had a BMX and no further treatment. Then I had a recurrence. I wish I'd been more agressive the first time.

MexicoHeather

Hi, SAshell07:

I am half way through chemo and have been asking the same question. Why would I do the radiation? The surgeon always spoke with the assumption that it would happen, the oncologist says take it up with the RO in May and that 4 lymph nodes positive is the determining number for some of the current care standards. I will be looking VERY carefully at the % recurrence numbers.

Artista928

When I first met my RO MRI said I had a 4 cm IDC tumour and no node involvement. He said he was on the fence on whether I should do rads. When we got sx path he said node involvement sealed his decision, along with size of tumour. For me if I should recurr at least I know I gave it my all. Good luck in deciding. Be at peace with whatever you decide with no looking backs.

Kicks

It makes a lot of sense that different Drs have different opinions, even within the different Specialities. They do overlap to some degree but the different Specialities are just that - Specialities. Basically, Surgeons Specialize in Surgery, Chemo Drs (MOs) Specialize in Chemo and Rad Drs (ROs) Specialize in Rads. For the optimal outcome/prognosis they need to work together as your Team so that theTX plan is all encompassing. What did the Tumor Board at your Facility suggest?

Many do get second (or more) opinions if they do not feel comfortable with the TX plan they have been given. (Or feel confidence with a particular Dr.).

It is becoming more common for neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemo to be used for more than just IBC (standard TX for years). Thus it is important to get Chemo Dr involved before surgery for evaluation. For some, there will be a complete response before surgery.

For me, I'm glad that my Chemo Dr did a different TX plan for me than what was/is 'usual' for my DX because it worked for me. The 'usual' fory DX is 2 different batches of neoadjuvant chemo, surgery then rads BUT I did 1 neoadjuvant chemo (4 DD A/C), UMX, 1 adjuvant Chemo (12 weekly Taxol), then 25 rads.

As you had 19 nodes removed, have you had an appt. with an LET (LymphEdema Therapist) yet for a baseline evaluation and education? As you had nodes removed, you are at risk of developing LE in the future. It does take a PT or OT how has additional education/knowledge to be an LET - not some PT or OT who claims they ''know all about LE'. (Unfortunately, many Drs are woefully ignorant when it comes to LE.)

Falconer

Also had micromets but I had dermal invasion as well, so rads were deemed necessary.