Has Cancer Returned Without Radiation Treatment?

Who is everyone? Pretty bold statement and I know many people no recurrence after radiation, just like I know many with a reoccurance after Chemo!! Our bodies are all different.

I’m trying to determine if radiation is a must and if there are others who did not do radiation but had surgery and did chemo.

Everyone is given a different and unique preventative path to hopefully reduce recurrence and possibly cure cancers. We are all different. Plans are given to us by trained and experienced Oncologists. Cancers differ in aggressive natures and we have different pre-existing health conditions. Many of us are able to aggressively walk, for example, and others may be labile, weak in nature, or choose to vary in following instructions, or not adhere to treatments. I’m afflicted with a very aggressive triple negative breast cancer found early on MRI, and unfortunately have the BRCA gene mutation. Unexpectedly, I metastasized to a lymph node and this aggressive tiny cancer spread to my blood. I had mastectomies as recommended, reconstructions, chemo, radiation, and now PARP inhibitors for prevention. I’m not a candidate for immunotherapy, and told I would die with that path. I led a very active lifestyle, walking 10 or more miles most days, and worked over 45 years as a critical care RN. I’m trusting my health care team, acknowledging the fact that cancers can be cured or return. I’m fighting through untoward treatment reactions, and had many, and am doing my very best to fight this battle and disease. I’ve had nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, blisters, sore joints, neuropathies, burns, loss of tastes, burning eyes, depression, etc… I am trusting in God to guide and help me on this most difficult journey. Yes, all treatments react differently, but to fight this battle, we need to accept some reactions. If not, there are alternative pathways. I’m wishing the best and praying for everyone on their difficult journey. Nothing is easy. Life is not easy, but God, in my belief is helping us regardless of the outcome. I’ve seen so much in nursing and in my immediate family. Best wishes to everyone. 🙏❤️

I’m getting radiation even though I don’t want it 😩

Following my double mastectomies with implants, I was told that margins and 3 nodes were clean. Ten months later I metastasized to one axillary node, feeling that the aggressive BRCA cancer was most likely in my blood from the get-go. Believe me, I didn’t want aggressive chemo, radiation, more surgery and now preventative PARP meds but I followed all Oncology expert recommendations, including aggressive activity. 🙏

Trust me you are not alone I also do not want to do radiation I just had surgery a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago I'm going to meet with the radiologist tomorrow for a consultation I have seen a lot of things stating that the radiation can cause the cancer to spread to other areas so I do understand your hesitation but I think I have decided I will do it there are no other options from what I understand and I don't want to have a mastectomy

If a lumpectomy removes the cancer and radiation is the final “fine tuning “ of the edges,then how can anyone say it causes it to spread? When it’s been cut out???

I've met with my radiologist today and decided that I was better off doing the radiation so 16 treatments of radiation I'm off to the races

Hello Dawna, I completely understand your hesitation and confusion. We are all different, heal differently, and have different stages, diagnoses, or other. Everyone has their own different experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and trust in the medical community. I had it all done and my cancer came back on the same breast 4 years later. Now I'm dealing with it again. On June 12th, I had a mastectomy, which is what I wanted the first time around. Unfortunately, I was less educated on the disease and was in shock at that time. I was also talked out of it by the medical oncologist. Now I 100% advocate for myself. This doesn't mean that what happened to me will happen to anyone else as we are all different. My advice is to do as much research as possible until you feel you can come to a somewhat comfortable decision. You will still have doubts, believe me. But at least you are aware of your options. All of this is hard. All of it. The very best of luck to you🩷

On June 10th, I found out that I had cancer. On June 26th, I had a lumpectomy. On July 11th at my follow-up appointment, I found out that I have 1mm of cancer left in my breast. Tomorrow, I will start my 5 rounds of radiation treatment. I pray that this will be the end of my cancer journey. I'm praying for everyone else who is going through this disease.

Jenean, Best wishes. I’m on a longer journey. My advice is to listen to the Oncology experts and follow their expert advice. My prayers are with you. Radiation isn’t horrible and I required 15 treatments after a year of aggressive chemotherapy and now PARP inhibitors. Immunotherapy was not an option as it could have harmed me with 5 autoimmune conditions. My cancer was triple negative BRCA2 related. Mastectomies were advised as I had with skin sparing implants at the same time. Nothing easy, but I’m staying very active and doing well overall. 🙏

I am also against doing radiation. I do have 3 nodes involved so was told that I “have to”. Been doing a ton of research and reading journal articles that say if after chemotherapy if nodes are clear then radiation only changes chance of recurrence by about 7% vs non radiation. If nodes are clear I am taking the chance.

My nodes were totally clean and all margins post double mastectomies. Months later the aggressive cancer regionally spread to one node. Everyone different. I continue to eat well and always aggressively walked. I am BRCA positive that adds onto risks.

This is such an important decision to weigh carefully with your medical team. Treatment decisions are highly individual based on specific cancer characteristics, staging, and personal health factors. Many community members have shared different experiences with radiation - some have found benefit while others have made different choices based on their unique situations. Consider discussing the potential benefits and risks with your oncologist, and perhaps seeking a second opinion if helpful, as they can review your specific pathology and circumstances to guide this decision.