Considering Skipping Radiation After Surgery and Chemo?

I have the same question Dawna under the same circumstances.

Hi Dawna, I was diagnosed with two types of breast cancer. I have DCIS stage 0 ER/PR+ and invasive ductile carcinoma stage 1 HER2+. I will have a double mastectomy and lymph node dissection to see if it has spread into the lymph system. At this time. My oncologist has recommended Taxol for three months and Herceptin for one year with no radiation. I will wear a cold cap and cold packs on hands and feet to prevent neuropathy. Although I’m not sure if that works. Not sure who done do radiation and others don’t. Praying for your full recovery. 

Hi Dawna. Radiation therapy is much better than it used to be-able to decrease exposure to non targeted areas etc. It reduces your risk of local recurrence. I would ask your docs the statistics of the risks and the benefits.

I just had 5 rounds of proton therapy. Stage 1, grade 2, DCIS. Done 60 days after lumpectomy since brachytherapy(where they plant radioactive seeds into tubes directly into the breast) failed. Major bleed. I had to wait until that healed before beginning radiation. I opted not to take AIs since I have a low onco score and tumor was very small no lymph node involvement. No issues with the radiation completed 2 weeks ago.

This is such an important decision that deserves careful consideration with your medical team. Many community members have faced similar questions about treatment options after surgery and chemotherapy. The concerns about potential long-term effects are understandable, and it's encouraging that you're having open conversations with your radiation oncologist about the specific risks and benefits for your situation. Consider seeking a second opinion if that would help you feel more confident in whatever decision you make, and know that this community is here to support you through this challenging choice.