Newly Diagnosed IDC. Lumpectomy with no radiation?

There is a clinical study being conducted in 5 areas in the USA in which radio frequency ablation around

the tumor bed is done during the lumpectomy surgery.  One site is at the Comprehensive Breast Care Center in San Diego and one is in Arizona.  If you are accepted in to the study, the RFA takes the place of radiation.

While it is rare, please also note that having a mastectomy doesn't guarantee that you won't get radiation, and that depends on many factors (i.e. lymph node involvement, surgical margins).

hi, I was diagnosed with a grade 1, stage 1, 1cm IDC in 2010. I did lumpectomy and no rads. I was aware of the 40% chance of recurrence but I took the risk. I did EVERYTHING you could do lifestyle-wise to prevent recurrence: work less, live in a peaceful enviro, regular exercise, no stress, meditation, curcumin, phytonutrients, vitamin D, coenzymQ10, flax seeds, quit sugar.... you name it, if it has proven to reduce recurrence risk, I did it. My tumour came back less than 3 years later. I'm getting a BMX next week. Should have done it the first time around, as I was told, "if you don't get radiation you should get a MX." It seemed like a radical surgery for a low grade cancer. But now I know better. Thought I'd share my experience with you... all the best with your decision.

So sorry, Dyvgrl ): ): -My surgery is scheduled for May 16. In my mind I still don't know what to worry about so I am not going to worry until I know definitely to what extent I need to worry -I will find out when I wake up after surgery.

I am blessed to have lots of family support- My daughter is coming and my ex-sis in law-,my best friend, my son, my granddaughter and a brother and DH of course- I have been told it is going to be a very long day-and I really hate to think of them all sitting around waiting for me and wearing themselves out-but I don't know how to approach the subject with some of them about just maybe waiting to get a phone call.. I hate putting people out  - then I say to myself, it is their decision to be there and I have no control over it so I just need to let it go...so I am trying....

Maybe your family is just really really scared and they don't know how to deal with your diagnosis? Maybe they are afraid to acknowledge it--

My neighbors came over today as I was doing yard work and gave me big huggs and apologized for not coming over sooner- they didn't know if I would be receptive to their well wishes or if I would even acknowledge them,or if I wanted to acknowledge the diagnosis, so maybe your family is feeling the same thing-- they just don't know how to respond?

Best of Luck with your decision..

I'm sure you are right Dyvgrl- I had an email from a friend who apologized for taking so long to write-he said, " we were both so shocked at the news, we can't stop thinking about it and there are just no words- we can't beleive it"-- I think this is the reaction of so many friends and family at first-- everyone needs time to receive the information and digest it-- some just take longer than others-so you go to the well where the water is ( the place those who accept the news are gathering and who are ready to fight with you) the others will come along in time- concentrate on the support that is there and don't think about that isn't..

It sounds like you are covering your bases as much as you can- good job- you are not in this fight alone, just remember that and surround yourself for the time being with those who are fighting with you and for you- Good luck-- ((((huggs )))

Hi dyvgrl, sorry you have to go though this darn cancer decision too. I was diagnosed March 29, 2013 and full understand the decisions we have to make. I am older than you (judging that you have a graduation coming up), but I also did not want to have rads unless I really had to. I chose to have a simple mastectomy ( I take some issue with the term "simple") and had my surgery April 16th at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Tomorrow I will be 4 weeks post surgery and am doing quite well. I spent one nite in hospital and was released by noon the next day. I felt pretty good, the pain level was very tolerable, much better than I had expected. Only had to take a few Tylenol XS, they gave me some narcotics if I needed but didnt take them until several days later at nite to help me sleep. I am kinda stiff and sore now and getting used to my new body but am adjusting well. I just wanted to get rid of all the cancer I could. I did chose to take arimidex for 5 years, so far no se but havent been on that long either. I understand your wish for lumpectomy and no rads. I asked if I could have that and the dr. said sometimes they do that with older woman and small size and grade but my grade was 3, so I wouldnt have felt comfortable doing that. Wishing you well and peace with your decisions... they arent easy! I was open to my family's suggestions but I knew at the end of the day I would have to make the final one.. had great support from husband, sons and alot of friends. praying for you.

not at this time, I really dont like surgeries, and it seems like it may be a long process, but who knows I may change my mind at a later time. I live quite a distance from Mayo but would have it done there if I chose to. I had 4.3 cm of dcis and a microinvasion of .8 cm and grade 3. I think the only thing simple is for the surgeon! They do alot of them, seems so many being diagnosed. My mom had bc but didnt die from it, she died of heart failure from the radiation treatments, so that is one reason I am leary of rads, they keep telling me that things are changed now and perhaps they are to some degree but it was on my left side, where heart is, so I just wanted the cancer out of me and get on my healing journey! It was the hardest decision I have ever made, but my daughter in law died of bc at 42 and did not want my son and his children to have to deal with this again but here it is! She chose an alternative method which of course did not work. so sad for everyone. Best of luck, will keep checking on you! We are all in this together.