Radiation or no?

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rpwoolf2
rpwoolf2 Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Male Breast Cancer

Hi everyone,

My dad just finished his chemo (six doses - three of FEC and three TAC), and now we have to decide whether to go ahead with radiation or not. The doctor is sort of giving mixed signals, and has basically said that it's up to us to decide. So, I was wondering if people could talk about their experiences (with or without radiation) and how you made the decision.

My dad had IDC. He was diagnosed in December, had his mastectomy in January, and chemo from Feb. to now. The size of meta-static cancer was 2.4 cm, 1/8 lymph nodes were involved (though they removed all of them). He is ER+ and will be taking Tamoxifen. They pathology report shows that there was some extra-nodal extension, but the margins were clean.

Thanks! 

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited June 2010

    Since he had a lymph node involved, I'd encourage him to do radiation. Compared to chemo, radiation is a piece of cake, and gives some extra 'insurance'. Best of Luck!

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  • ithaca
    ithaca Member Posts: 25
    edited June 2010

    Hi - from your post, I'm not sure if the doctor giving you mixed signals is your dad's medical oncologist or a radiation oncologist. If it's a medical oncologist, be sure to have a consultation with a radiation oncologist before making any decisions. Radiation therapy following a mastectomy is a real judgement call. 

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  • RegulJ
    RegulJ Member Posts: 244
    edited June 2010

    Radiation for me was easy. I did get myself all worked up over it, but after the first few zapps it really was a piece of cake. Doing rads also helps to cut down on recurrence. But in the end it is still his choice.

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  • 1rarebird
    1rarebird Member Posts: 91
    edited June 2010

    Check my thread "Radiation needed?"  posted Sept. 2009 in this forum.  It is long winded, but gives a decent account of the advice I was given when I was faced with the same decision you are.  I eventually did have the radiation treatments.  They were tough to handle but not as tough as the earlier chem. I am satisfied with my decision, particularly since I was told today I don't qualify for a clinical trial I wanted.  Being male was the stated reason.  Radiation may turn out to be one of the few extra precautions I am going to get fighting this disease.  Lady Luck may decide the rest.

    Good luck to you and your dad---

    bird

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  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited June 2010

    I also would go for radiation, it was a breeze for me after chemo but zaps those stray cells around the surgery site!

    Tricia x

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  • Kate0574
    Kate0574 Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2010

    hello, if your father had not had a mastectomy I would say go for the radiation but tumors under 5cm and positive lymphnodes with a mastectomy would not require radiation.  I was stage 2b with 4cm and 3/16lymph positive, I opted for a mast like your father and 6 rounds of chemop but the oncology department said no to radiation, that it would not decrease or increase chance for reoccurance..... I think it is personal choice but wiht a mesatecomy and hisdiagnosis.. I would say stay away from the radiation.... ((HUGS)) to you for helping your father through this.... take care!

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  • Kevnhall82
    Kevnhall82 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2010

    My uncle is also going for radiation, he is preferring radiation in his case.

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  • hisbca
    hisbca Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2010
    A GREAT resource for Breast Cancer in Males - http://www.hisbreastcancer.org
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  • zaaylo
    zaaylo Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010

    Yes, this would be good option....

    I did chemo and had reactions but did not find other option availble at our place

    wish you all the best !!!

    regards

    UK Web Directory      Shopping Links UK    UK Shopping Links

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  • rpwoolf2
    rpwoolf2 Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2010

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all your replies! My dad did end up going through with the radiation, and it turned out well. He's doing really well now.

    Lots of best wishes and prayers for anyone in a similar situation,

    Regards,

    RPW 

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  • Rooster-wBC
    Rooster-wBC Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011

    My diagnosis is similar to Kate's. My Oncologist has suggested I undergo Radiationtherapy. My surgeon does not think it is necessary or warranted. I intend to see a Radiation-Oncologist to help make my decision.

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  • ssydor
    ssydor Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2011

    I know this thread is a little old, but I am facing the same decision right now.

    I was diagnosed with stage II invasive BC (2.5cm, no lymph node involvemnet... although they did remove 19 of them).  I had a partial mastectomy (they did not remove all of the breast tissue).  I just completed 4 round of chemo (AC). 

    My radiation oncologist is recommending that I go in for another operation to remove the remaining breast tissue... rather then doing raditation treatments.  I guess if they remove all the breast tissue, there will be nothing left to radiate.

    I think this is the route I will go.  It is a little frustrating to have to go in for surgery again, but there isn't much I can do about it.  It would have been nice if they just did a full mastectomy in the first place!

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2011

    ssydor, I'm so sorry you have to face this decision. I agree, another surgery seems a better idea. The SE's from rads, especially the long-term ones, can be difficult. But you're right, it certainly would have been nice if they'd done a full mast the first time.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • Larry44
    Larry44 Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2011

    I chose to have a partial mastectomy usually called a lumpectomy in here.   If I had to make the decision again I would choose a mastectomy.   It takes a long time to recover from radiation therapy and I don't think I've fully recovered.   I finished radiation in Dec. 2004 and still have sore/tender ribs in the area.

    Larry

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    I would go for the rads, especially with the nodal extention. Rads are easier than chemo or surgery.

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  • cheyenna
    cheyenna Member Posts: 379
    edited May 2011
    yes i say do the Rads, there is a node involved, we want to make sure no cell has escaped, and i would hate in 3 months him looking over his shoulder thinking i should of done it, i would be done now, i went the AC x4 and Taxol x12,, i know had i gone with the other opinion of 4 treatments of TC, i woulda been looking over my shoulder cause that is how i am.. what ever you decide will be right, listen to your heart,Smile
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  • alison34
    alison34 Member Posts: 138
    edited May 2011

    hi

    i did the same chemo as your father -  i also had node involvement and i did the rads

    these are a breeze compared to chemo and as everyone was saying its that bit extra insurance

    good luck to your father in which ever choice he makes

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