Opinion regarding radiation

First, I understand that we're not medical experts here but I thought I would ask women who have experienced this. From my history, you can see that I had IDC and a very large tumor of approx. 7 cm. At the time of my biopsy, my BS aspirated one of my lymph nodes and did not find any cancer cells. Of course, this doesn't mean that there weren't any but none were found. The PET scan was hazy as to the lymph nodes. I had neoadjuvant TCH therapy and a complete pathologic response. Pathology after my BMX showed dead tumor cells in the breast and no evidence that there was cancer in the two sentinel lymph nodes. My MO and BS believed I did not require radiation. I had tissue expanders placed and had a first fill. What fun that was! Anyway my MO, as is his habit, still referred me to the RO for a consultation. I had that this past Monday. The RO said that he recommends everyone have radiation with the size tumor I had regardless of lymph nodes. I understand that there is a protocol for radiation in any tumor greater than 5 cm but I am uncomfortable with this given that there was no evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes and that I had a complete pathologic response.

He said that there was a study wherein 50% of women who had a positive lymph node received radiation and 50% did not. I could not join that study because I had no positive lymph nodes. So, I asked him if there are 50% of women who are in a worse place than I am are not receiving radiation, does it make sense for me to? I would prefer, if possible, to keep radiation in my back pocket in case something happens in the future. He told me to get a second opinion which I'm doing.

I also understand that there is a conference next week where a situation like mine is being presented with data. I would love to see what the data is on my situation.

Any thoughts?

Jennifer