Do I really need radiation?

Robinms

I was recently diagnosed with IDC. The cancer was so small (2 mm) it was entirely removed by the biopsy needle. The cancer was low grade, well delineated and estrogren receptive. The surgery pathology revealed the area where cancer was removed was completely benign and the lymph node that was removed was negative. My doctors are recommending 15 days of radiation followed by 5 years of aromatase inhibitors (I am post menopausal). Any comments on whether I really need radiation therapy?

muska

Robinms,

If you have doubts about your doctors' recommendation the next step should be a second opinion. There is no one path fits all approach, there are many factors influencing the decision starting from age.

Radiation is a standard of care after lumpectomy but you may want to talk to your doctors about your individual risks and get a second opinion if unsure.

Best.

Shellsatthebeach

I believe the radiation is to kill any stray cells left behind.

readytorock

Is there any reason you really want to avoid radiation? I found radiation relatively easy. For the peace of mind it will give you, I would say well worth it.

Robinms

My primary reservation is that most experts agree that once a body part is radiated it cannot be radiated again. In addition, there may be risks and side affects. I am reluctant to have radiation on healthy tissue, especially with a chance of recurrence in the single digits, and also considering that I plan to go ahead with hormone treatment.

pupmom

Size of tumor and nodal involvement have nothing to do with radiation. If you had invasive cancer and a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy, radiation is the standard of care.

But I agree that you should seek a second opinion if you have doubts about your MO's plan.

Meow13

If it were me I would not do radiation. But you need decide what is right for you. I did 4 years AI and lost my excellent health now have permanent side effects although not too bad.

Radiation seems to be played down in terms of health risk. Ask bco member macb04 and others on the thread I deeply regret having done radiation. Others get through unscathed but not everyone.