radiation after bilateral mastectomy?

jashauer:  I am also triple negative.  Even I had a "complete response" to the chemo, there was never a question between my doctors as to whether radiation was necessary for me.  I did it, and other than the inconvenience of going daily, it was easy in comparison to everything we've been through.  I had no issues with my TE's or my skin in the exchange surgery.  My exchange surgery was 6 weeks after I finished radiation.  I realize that everyone is different, but don't be nervous about the radiation.  The way I looked at it is, I wanted to throw everything in my power at this disease.  That way I won't question myself if I have a reoccurence down the road.  But remember, all of my docs were in agreement.  I understand your conflict with the different opinions between your docs.  In the end, the decision is always yours.

Take care,

Kathy

I also had bmx. 4 lymph nodes. RO told me that much better result when do rads. It wasn't too bad. Certainly nothing compared to chemo. A friend had mx with 1 node. Rads was not offered. Unfortunately, 8 years later, the cancer returned. I think rads is the extra insurance

i too was in the gray area, mine was 5.8cm no nodes involved.  i went to 3 different rad docs. to try and get someone to say no you don't need radiation, but that didn't happen, so i had 28 treatments of rads with every other one bolis.  long story short, my reconstruction because of the rads didn't go so well.  my only option is tram flap which i will have done in nov.  but also know that not everyone has a problem with reconstruction after radiation, i took the chance and it didn't work or, but i wanted to do everything possible to make sure there was no chance the cancer could come back ,I wouldn't want to have any regrets just to insure good reconstruction, if you know what i mean.  good luck

All the posts are really helpful but I still am having trouble deciding about rads. I completed 6 sessions of chemo about 5 weeks ago and I need to decide about rads now. I saw 2 radiation oncologists and they both recommended radiation although admitted I was in the grey area.  Factors to  consider are suspicious lympho vascular invasion area (but not conclusive) ; 2 out of 25 lymph nodes positive;grade 2 tumor; 1 extra capsular extension on lymph node; margins  are only 1 mm-  too close to skin (had a skin sparing mastectomy;.  tumor was only  2 cm.;. my "young" age So I don't meet the classic criteria for getting radiation but 2 RO's said cumulative risk factors made them decide to recommend radiation.   My Plastic surgeon I can tell is not excited about the prospect of rads and what that it  will potentially do to skin and silicon implant  which is planned.  I am more worried about lymphadema risk.  How do you all decide to do rads when it is unclear if risks outweigh the benefits?

I have read people stating that they have been treated with Heprecon and Tamoxofin only with Stage 1 and/or micromet.  Less side effects then the full blown chemo and may keep you in the safe zone.  Not sure how true this is but I will be checking it out as well.  I think its smart to have Rads after a BMX especially if a micromet is seen, I agree they are too small to even be considered positive and without the tumor/tissues there anymore and taking Tamoxofin, the radiaition would take care of anything that may have filtered out?  NOt sure if that makes any sense...