Radiation raises heart risks for breast cancer survivors

And they wonder why so many women are opting for mastectomy

I remember my breast surgeon recommending an interview with a radiation onco before he finally agreed to do my bimx; he warned him to be prepared as I did lots of research .

Thankfully, he was honest.  The second question I asked him was about the heart issue, and he was honest.

I am so sorry cp418.  My doctors also thought I came in with "an attitude" but I didn't care...I printed my articles and dragged them with me.  If they could refute them for me to my satisfaction, I would listen, if not, I trusted my gut.  After all, my breast surgeon said if I had not pursued my testing, "they" all would have sworn I did not have breast cancer and no need for a biopsy...certainly not a second MRI needle guided biopsy.  My first oncologist was so patronizing, I fired him.

I thnk that is a very difficult thing for cancer (or any) patient to do because we feel so vulnerable and want to be comforted, protected and assured that they know what they are doing and will "save" us....

I hope you are doing well.  Thank you, as always, for your posts and links

You are correct that not all women can avoid radiation, but for those with early stage and not multifocal type of cancers, these women are traditionally told "lumpectomy + radition = mastectomy."  For THOSE women, they have an option.  These women (myself included) ARE educating themselves, which is why it is called HAVING OPTIONS.  Education includes knowing the side effects as well as the benefits.  Many of us take antihormonals and know the side effects (good or bad) and then decide if we take them.