Should I Skip Radiation After My Breast Cancer Surgery?

Yes and it was stage 0

Sally, I have ILC stage 1. My surgeon told me that if I chose a lumpectomy, I would have to follow it with radiation.

I was diagnosed with DCIS, my surgeon recommended lumpectomy with 6 months radiation. I chose double mastectomy for fear of recurrence.

@Maya, I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with stage 0 breast cancer. Did you get the double mastectomy? How is it going with that? Thank you for any response and God bless

Hi Jane w are u doing radiation now

@Karen, yes I was diagnosed with stage 1 and I got the double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. I did this due to fear of recurrence and my mom had breast cancer and she was in remission and it came back. She passed away in February. I am in my 4th week now from surgery pain has gotten easier, I used ibuprofen and Tylenol and CbD oil for pain. Some days are easier, the extra help definitely helps out with the healing. Have you decided your treatment plan? If you don’t mind me asking

M Jane w

I'm supose to do radiation. I just don't want problems down the line with like heart problems or lungs . They say that can happen after radiation

@Mayo, first, my deepest condolences to you. I’m so sorry for your loss🙏. Interestingly enough, I worked in oncology research for 8 years here in NYC. I was not naive, but I feared cancer of any type happening to me. I’m still in disbelief. However, I’m going to the VA to speak with the oncologist on Thursday this week since they referred me to an external facility for the biopsy. Respectfully, I need to follow through and discuss my treatment. However, I plan to get treatment at NY Pearlmutter. My ex-supervisor, who is an oncologist will make the appointment for me since he works there. I want to cry so bad but I can’t. I’m not sure what to do. I want a means to an end. I don’t want to deal with breast cancer after treatment. I’m thinking about a mastectomy but I want to look like a woman once it’s done. Would you say that The medical field improved woman’s aesthetics as it relates to dbl mastectomy with reconstructive surgery? How long were you hospitalized? How painful has it been with post surgery?

Sally, I have a CT scan and mild making appointment this week. I hope they will give me my radiation start date at that appt. In my consult with the radiologist, he said that the corner of my lung might show some scarring but that should be all. My tumor was in the left breast and I am having whole breast radiation.

Oh ok . I'm sorry that ur going through this too. I've been healthy my whole life no problems until thus happened .I'm still 8n shock. I watched right exercise alot and sleep pretty well nevervthought I'd get cancer.

Goodluck and hope all goes well.! I know it's not easy but don't stress .

Hi Sally. I am in the same situation as you but a week delayed. I go to the radiation dr for consultation on April 8. I'm hoping I don't need radiation as, like you, mine was DCIS, was only in the milk duct, stage zero, and they believe they got it all. I realize I can't give you any helpful thoughts, but I wish you all the best.

Sally, in my radiation set up appointment today, they did two scans - one with me breathing normally and one with me holding my breath. The dr will compare the measurements of the two to determine which way will cause least chance of radiation to lung and heart. I was glad that is something the radiologist is really concerned with.

@ Karon My recovery has been up and down. Some days are better than others with pain and discomfort. My doctor all tell me it’s normal, I understand I had major surgery. I’m just someone who never sits still and always on the move, so that has been adjustment for me. I was not going to do a reconstructive surgery, but I am 44 and I still wanted to feel like a woman and have breast. I realize that may sound naive, body image has never been something I thought about. I just wanted to feel and look some what like my old self. The hardest part for me during this process has been the emotional feelings I have. Grieving my mother and then wanting my life to go back to how it was. But overall I wouldn’t change my decision with double mastectomy at all. I chose the more aggressive treatment that I felt was right for me. I hope this helps a little .

@Maya O, I appreciate your feedback. I understand clearly why you chose a mastectomy. I just scheduled an appointment to see a breast surgeon here in NYC on the 16 Apr, 3 days before my birthday. I read that with my flavor of cancer, a dlb mastectomy won't alter my longevity one way or the other. I'll let Dr. Axelrod determine what would be the best option. At the same time, I have anxiety. Also, the VA said I would need radiation and start taking hormone therapy. The two choices of drugs have bad side effects. I will cross that bridge once I get there.

This is such an important decision to discuss thoroughly with your medical team. The consultation with the radiologist will be a valuable opportunity to ask about the specific benefits and risks of radiation for your particular situation, including factors like the size, grade, and margins of what was removed. Many people in this community have faced similar decisions about post-surgery treatments, and sharing your concerns during that appointment can help ensure you feel confident about whatever path you choose moving forward.