Is radiation necessary after successful cancer treatment?

Let us know what they say

I did the radiation. 14 years later it came back as mBC. So I was never cancer free.

The surgeon said that when they did the surgery the cancer was already gone because of the chemotherapy. Pathology results showed no cancer. I don’t get why they want me to do radiation therapy and along with herceptin. I don’t have a good feeling about radiation and know that it will damage my skin and will be very painful. I also didn’t like the doctor.

Hi Elizabeth. Get a second opinion. Not sure in your situation given chemo but radiation after lumpectomy supposed to decrease risk of local recurrence. Unfortunately most treatments have potential side effects but do the benefits outweigh those?

I’ve decided to go for it. My doctor said that if it becomes too much I can stop, but they want me to try it. I just want it to be over with.

Good luck with the radiation. Lots of good advice on this site how to decrease skin impact. Your rad onc also likely has recommendations.

I don’t like the rad onc doc but I’m seeing my regular oncologist on Friday and will speak to him about it. I just don’t trust the process of radiation. I have a bad feeling about it.

I did 5 weeks of radiation after full chemo and surgery. It’s not that bad. Use the skin film Mepitel. Didn’t have any outward symptoms until week 4. Finished in Nov, one armpit is tanner than the other, that’s all. The worst was the inconvenience of going to the hospital daily, but the staff was wonderful.

No skin burns?

Radiation wasn’t so bad, I’m out 9 months and have had little side effects. Even with breast reconstruction, which I originally was told the radiation could really mess with the reconstruction because of tightening. I’m ok. The fatigue can set in after a couple weeks but there’s way to combat it. I only had dermatitis a week after treatment ended. Keep in mind it was during the hottest months of the year and it still wasn’t so bad. I used Mepitel film during treatment and kept it on for 2 weeks after.

What is Mepitel? You’re saying that it’s a film, like a type of bandage ? Thank you for your response too!

Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement!

Yes, a film. I put mine on Monday mornings and kept it dry throughout the week, off with a shower on Fridays. We called it the “car wrap”. I bought $300 worth for 5 weeks, didn’t end up using it all. My radiation nurse suggested it. Huntsman has been running clinical trials with good results.

Thank you and I will look into this!

Elizabeth, I am very happy for you. I'm sorry about the radiation and chemo, but happy you are cancer free. I still don't know what my treatment plan is. I have my first post op appointment today. God bless you.💕

I also did 4 weeks of radiation and wasn't that bad. Week after the last treatment was tender but went away in about a week. I had a mascetomy first and then the tchp. They explained that the radiation would get at the nooks and crannies that the chemo might not reach

Hello everyone, stage 1 Her2 positive BC here. I was advised by a colleague whose daughter had radiation to get the proton therapy radiation it is very specific to the area of the body that needs radiation. Minimal damage if any at all. I hope this can help someone.

Aquaphor aquaphor aquaphor

I think proton access is much more limited but worthwhile asking if you are eligible and pros and cons.

Had DMX aug 2023 30 Radiation tx..it was a breeze aquaphor was the best..sure it was tender last week of tx. They gave me a couple of scrubs tops from their. Perfect

My protocol- for stg 2, triple neg BC 12 wks of one chemo cocktail 12 wks of another chemo 🍸 Can do either mastectomy or lumpectomy…. Surgeon said - mastectomy no radiation. Lumpectomy radiation required. Just basic fyi- there is obviously way more details …… I was nervous about radiation but these groups are soooo helpful! I think 🤔 it won’t be so bad it just the everyday part Uhg! I, also, am really ready for this to be over- not completely until August- but still will have a year of immunotherapy!!! Good luck to everybody!!! Virtually prayers 🙏🏻 and hugs 🤗 to all!!!

@Elizabeth-I met with the radiation oncologist last week- I was ER+, HER+, PR- Stage II B, one lymph node involved and had 6 rounds of Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin and Perjeta every 3 weeks. Followed by a partial mastectomy and 4 lymph nodes removed. Pathology showed NO evidence of cancer- chemo worked! But surgeon said due to only partial mastectomy will need 25 rounds of radiation. Explained that the chemo killed the cancer - using a tree as a visual comparison- in the tumor and lymph nodes confirmed by the pathology of the tissue removed. So confirmed no cancer in the “trunk and branches” of the tree. But cancer cells could be hiding in the “roots” of the tree (remaining breast tissue) that the radiation will kill.

Congratulations on completing your treatment and reaching this milestone! The decision about radiation therapy is an important one that deserves careful discussion with your medical team. Many people in this community have faced similar questions about post-treatment options, and talking through the benefits and potential side effects with your surgeon and oncologist tomorrow sounds like the right approach. Your treatment team can help weigh the specific factors in your case to guide this decision.