Radiation for stage 1 her2+

WarriorCheryl · April 2016

I just completed 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin for my stage 1 HER2+ diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy 11/2015 and all margins were clear, all lymph nodes were clear. I will continue Herception until the end of the year. Has anyone opted out of radiation therapy?

ElaineTherese · April 2016

Well, I was Stage IIIA, so my profile is obviously different. No, I didn't opt out of radiation, even though neoadjuvant chemo had wiped out the active cancer in my breast and the one compromised node. I didn't consider opting out of radiation because the studies that say that a lumpectomy is just as effective as a mastectomy assume that you've had radiation along with your lumpectomy.

Radiation is about killing any stray cells in your scar, breast, or nodes (if any were compromised), and so is considered localized treatment. Compared to chemo, I thought it was a walk in the park. My boob turned red, but I had no other side effects. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide!

mara51506 · April 2016

I also did not opt out of radiation. I was stage 3 Her2+ as well. I fared well even through 25 radiation treatments. I did not need a boost since I did have clear margins after my mastectomy. Nothing more than a dry, sunburn type peel. I was fully healed after 10 days from the last treatment.

WarriorCheryl · April 2016

I am scheduled to start radiation next week, but I will be consulting with my oncologist again, and my surgeon before I start to make sure that is the right decision. I have seen studies on lower radiation doses though and am interested to find out more.

Reading about long term side affects is what worries me. I did well with the chemo.

MaggieCat · April 2016

Stage 1, Her 3+ ... never , EVER, considered opting out. The "opt out" is MX...

WarriorCheryl · April 2016

After meeting with my oncologist, I will be getting 2 referrals for additional opinions from 2 radiologist for the new, approved therapy, with reduced whole breast radiation , and more targeted radiation. There is one who even does proton therapy for breast radiation…which is mostly used for prostate cancer. I understand the increased risk for re-occurance with out the radiation, and I want the latest and greatest, especially if there is an option. I am also preferring treatment in the prone position, which the first oncologist talked about and planned to do, but opted out of as it was more work for him to chart.

WarriorCheryl · May 2016

Update on Treatment. I went for a second opinion for radiation and met with a university medical center radiation oncologist. It was determined that I am a good candidate for accelerated radiation treatment, which means that I will have a total of 4 weeks treatment including overall breast radiation and targeted radiation as well. As medicine is a business, most treatment centers want to prolong the treatment to 6-7 weeks because of billing for each treatment. A university treatment center puts a patients needs first, and will stay on top of developing therapies and research. I will be getting almost the same overall radiation levels, but in a shorter time. Studies have shown that this is just as effective in the long term. It is always important to get a second opinion if in doubt. I thank you all here for the support.

Radiation for stage 1 her2+

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