How can I decide about skipping radiation after breast cancer chemo?

Well ...im awaiting respinse from my surgeon ad well but frm what i heard radiation aint that bad ..y r u so not for it ?

Hi Denise, I can understand your frustration here. I was on the fence as well, but chose to kill any cells left. It is your personal decision of course, but keep in mind that: Radiation may be needed after chemotherapy to destroy any lingering cancer cells that chemotherapy couldn't reach or kill, preventing the cancer from returning (adjuvant therapy). It can also be used to target specific areas where the cancer is likely to spread or recur, or to manage symptoms caused by advanced cancer. We are in your corner all the way. Praying you through this continued journey. 💪 Hugs 🫂

Thank you so much for your insights. I am against radiation because I already have ra, pericarditis, leukemia and lymphoma AND breast cancer. With all my medications and managing side effects I want quality of life and from all I have heard radiation a potentially aggravate my other chronic diseases. I have plenty going on without the radiation side effects.

I have also read that if undergoing hormone therapy after chemotherapy, radiation doesn’t necessarily improve the outcome.

I completely understand 😌 Supporting you through this journey 💯💗🙏

Hi Denise.. I have RA, LGL leukemia and pericarditis and osteoporosis.. I had radiation 7 years ago and it didn’t exasperate any of the other conditions I have… actually, if you already have leukemia the chances of getting another leukemia are greater with chemo.. hooray for getting through that! BUT.. here I am 7 years later with a reoccurrence and this time it is triple positive.. way worse than hormone positive .. so 6 of one half dozen of another… you have the right to stir your own ship.. do what your soul is telling you. All the best!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and insights. I feel so alone so many times when I start thinking about all my chronic issues- all diagnosed within 6 months. Your encouragement helps put me a little more at ease.

Denise, we are here for you. ♥️ I know what it feels like, and so blessed to still be here. Please keep us posted. We have to advocate for ourselves, and always do what is best for ourselves. Hugs 🫂

💕🙏

I know I’m late to responding but I also decided against radiation. I’m on my 13th week of Herceptin and have completed 10 weeks of Taxol (stopped 2 weeks short of 12 weeks due to major neuropathy). I’ve done a lot of research and decided since my tumor was small (surgeon got it all and clean margins) and no lymph node cancer detected, I wasn’t willing to risk the potential for radiation to give me cancer somewhere else.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Had another appointment today and after careful consideration have decided against radiation even though I have node involvement. Hoping surgery shows all cancer gone from them.

@ Denise. Praying you through your journey, and Your battle has already been fought! 💪🙏 Exodus 14:14 Keep us posted. 💗

Your prayers and encouragement give me strength.

I had radiation following chemotherapy, but only needed 5 treatments. I had no issues or side effects.

Hi Denise.. I have RA, osteoporosis, and leukemia and pericarditis.. I am surprised you made it through chemo.. that is what can give you another form of leukemia AML! The worst! I am assuming you have LGL because of the RA like me.. I have decided to forego chemo and skip to targeted therapy, a mastectomy this time and maybe even more radiation.. look into proton radiation.. I had it 8 years ago with my 1st breast cancer and nothing happened with my list of co- morbidities.. it is way less harmful with proton radiation

I’m doing radiation using VMAT which is 5 weeks (25 treatments); completed 2 weeks so far and going well. No issues. I had similar results like yours - about 7 nodes with micro metastasis removed.

Making treatment decisions when facing conflicting opinions can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotional weight of cancer treatment. Many patients in the HER2+ community have grappled with similar decisions about whether to follow standard protocols or trust their instincts about their own care. Consider seeking a second opinion from another oncologist who can review your specific case details and help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual situation - having more medical perspectives might help clarify the best path forward for your unique circumstances.

Her2+ stage 4 and never done radiation or mastectomy because it had already spread. Chemo and immunotherapy alone works very well. Surgeons always want to remove everything, even if it is not necessary. Stand up for yourself, it is your body!!!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am feeling more confident in my decision and having lumpectomy on Thursday🤞😊. Looking forward to getting this part over. I am finally starting to feel like myself again.

I had radiation and 10 years later had a recurrence

Thank you all for sharing your journey with us. Going through what we have all battled is not easy, and unless someone is in our shoes they can't wrap their head around our thoughts and feelings. Having gone through all I did, all I can say is advocate for yourself, seek 2nd opinions if necessary, and keep yourself surrounded by positive people.💗 Praying everyone through their journey during this time. Love you all!