Radiation Yes or No

AnnC2019

Hi,

Struggling to make a decision to have radiation or not. Radiation Oncologist said I should have it.

I have multi-centric lobular with 1 out of 2 nodes positive for macromestases size 4mm. largest breast tumor was 3.8cm. I have LVI but the cancer cells didn't penetrate the wall of the node. I also just had melanoma removed from my leg. It seems I am in a bit of a gray zone with one positive node but LVI is tipping thebalance.

I start Zometa infusions once a month in October and I am taking anastrozole. No chemo due to low ONCODX score.

Everything I am reading suggests LVI is a bad prognostic indicator and increases likelihood of metastatic BC.

I am studying Jane Mclelland's book How To Starve Cancer and I am intrigued by the idea of blocking signaling pathways etc.and might start with the basics such as aspirin, berberine and Tagamet. My only problem is I have a rare metabolic disease and shouldn't fast because my body needs glucose for energy so no idea how this would impact me.Such a conundrum....

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions/options regarding radiation. I am leading toward getting radiation but afraid of side-effects. I plan on having DIEP.

Also do you suggest a 2nd opinion for pathology reports? There is probably some margin of possible errors. My initial biopsy was reviewed by two pathologists but my breast tumor and node report only lists one doctor

Thanks.

Ingerp

What is the reduction in probability of recurrence for you with rads? I only had to hear 50% to make it an easy decision.

I’m very comfortable with my medical team and have never considered a second opinion.

gb2115

I had a smaller tumor and only one positive node and chose radiation. The radiated the nodes. I only hope it was enough and definitely fear metastatic recurrence. I also had side effects from the radiation, but if I could go back in time I would choose it again. I really would, I would put myself through it again. Statistically too risky to skip it.

AnnC2019

Thanks Ingerp and gb2115. I am most likely going to follow the doctor’s recommendation because of the LVI and macrometastasis.

Howdidthishappen

I have recently had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed. I have Mucinous Carcinoma.
margins were clear and nodes were negative for cancer spread. I am considering not having radiation. Has anyone else gone this route.

Moderators

Hi Howdidthishappen, and welcome to our community.

Treatment decisions are very personal. However here are two articles that may help provide some information about radiation.

Lumpectomy plus radiation and Is Lumpectomy plus radiation right for you?

What does your treatment team recommend? Perhaps getting a second opinion could be helpful as well.

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