Hi all. I am suppose to start Radiation therapy this month but told my RO I need some time to think about it. I am having such a hard time deciding if I want to have it done or not. A big part of me says no because of all I've read and pictures I've seen. I'm not sure if the percent outweighs the possible effects. I'm not trying to be such a downer but am really scared and confused. Would really appreciate some input. I did have a session with my RO last week about my concerns and still left out of there with so many doubts. Has anyone had the same issues? I would love to hear if I am being silly or whatever. I've been really emotional for the last couple of days and need to make up my mind so I can move forward. I have been very positive throughout this whole thing but for the doubts and indecision I'm having at this time. macbo4, I am so sorry to hear of all the problems you've had and hearing them just kind of warrants my fears. I sure hope all gets better for you and anyone else that has to go through the rough times. I don't want to take the chance, so maybe my fears are warrented.

Thank you all for listening,

CindyABH

I agree gardengypsy, it is a tough decision to make. I wish it weren't. I appreciate your response. I wish you all the best and you also macb04. I am so sorry that you were treated like that. I wish with everything in me that you didn't have to go through this for the rest of your life. It's horrible and not fair! Maybe it doesn't happen to everyone, but I don't want to have to go through things that could happen. I am trying to do what I feel is the right choice for me and I feel now that I have finally made up my mind as to what I am going to do. My RO called me yesterday after I had had enough of reading and looking at the computer. I will be talking with her in a bit to let her know what I have decided. The main concern I have had from the beginning was under my arm where they took the lymph nodes and I told her that that is the one place I do want to have radiation done. I do not want to have the chest area touched at all. Call me crazy, but that is what I feel in my heart is the right choice for me. I have had a positive attitude since my first shock, crying, and getting angry and I'm sure I had a few other emotions in there before everything started rolling. Artista928, thank you too for the response and like I have said, I feel that this is the right choice for me. I believe it with all my heart. I wish only the very best for all of us that have to go through this.

Artista928, I am happy with my decision. Finally! It took a lot of research. You're right, this is a crazy disease and there are no guarantees. I sure wish there were!

Best wishes to you too.

I regret ever having done any treatments . None of my doctors were truthful . They all lied . I was given no choices . I was told I had to complete all treatments as prescribed or I would not make it a year . I wish I had stood my ground and just died

ChiSandy, I hope it's nothing serious. Oh, to be normal for just a few moments.

I'm also wondering if the 10-year recommendation for AI is going to create a generation of women with (even more) fragile bones.

Do let us know what the doctors say. I'll be thinking positive thoughts about your bones.

macb04, I can’t imagine how awful having such extensive rads damage must have been, even though I’ve followed your story for over a year now. My guess is that if I have a spinal fracture, it’s likely from the osteopenia having become osteoporosis (and I’ve had evidence of degenerative disk disease since my 30s), because I had targeted-beam partial-breast rads. But the ribs are another story—they were in the rads field. (And of course, I hope the pain is not from mets. Can’t keep my mind from going to that dark place).

Chi Sandy - hoping for the best for you.

CindyaABH: I wish I had asked more questions instead of just accepting that radiation is just a given if you have a lumpectomy. Things were going fine for the first 13 out of 20 treatments. Now the treatments are on hold, I'm on antibiotics for cellulitis, my breast is painful and has a really weird lump. I thought I was almost done as far as the initial treatment so I'm starting to feel pretty discouraged. Also hate being on anti-biotics because I've had c diff in the past and want to avoid any chance of going through that nightmare again. HIndsight.....

Hi folks, I came b/c I saw Enerva post. Hi sweetie.

Has anyone done a search to see what current results are showing versus new data. I was easily able to avoid the choice b/c of my scenario. I was so glad. But as a result I never did an in depth search to determine choice.

I have never read this thread in it's entirety, but kept it as a resource for anyone questioning radiation.

I have maintained I have no view or opinion b/c of no study.

Enerva Lovey, we are still in the same place Bless you young one

I had 5 days radiation that ended May 19, 2017. Was using Aquaphor. First week after, sore and red. Second week after felt pretty good. End of third week small itchy patch like sunburn. Used Cortisone cream didn't help. Called office. Said try Benadryl cream. Didn't help. Developed huge sore and peeling. Very painful. Prescribed pain meds. Sent photo of breast to doctor. Made appt to see me. DR said could be fungal so gave prescriptions for antibiotics fungal cream Andy Silvadine cream. Said reaction usually happened end of treatments not 2 weeks later. So now suffering 5 weeks! Finally big sore healed but still peeling and itching, sore, swollen, red and painful. Read list of high risk for side effects before you decide. Age, obesity, anemia, immune disorders are some. I don't think I would do it again. It is a very difficult decision

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X-rays (chest/ribs, spine) negative for fracture, osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions (i.e., no mets), and lungs clear. Mild degenerative disc changes, upper convexity (kyphosis—but tell me something I didn’t know), with “wedging” between T7-8 (narrowing of the space between the vertebrae at the front). Diagnosis is a deep muscle strain, probably the right lat. PCP says physical therapy—but instead of a referral to a PT clinic, my trainer can do it because he has OT certification and is about to get PT cert. as well. Trainer warned that it could take about 4 weeks and usually gets worse before it gets better. It peaked late last week and has begun to ease—therapy has been stretching, strengthening of supporting muscles, heat, Tylenol and Baclofen twice a day. Blue Emu and arnica gel has helped too. (Because of anemia with no diagnosed cause yet, no NSAIDs—not even topicals, COX2 inhibtors or even my low-dose heart aspirin). And postural exercises to keep my chest forward & shoulders back. (Sort of counterintuitive for someone sensitive about the size of her “rack,” but…)