Advice needed: Radiation after mastectomy for early breast cancer?

Communities›Just Diagnosed With Breast Cancer›Advice needed: Radiation after mastectomy for early breast cancer?

JR

Community Member

2 years ago

Need some feedback/advice. Recent bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in Sept for stage 1 DCIS (ER/PR+, HER-)Had one lymph node+ with micro metastasis. Initially when diagnosed there was no lymph node involvement. Breast surgeon recommended Radiation. Radiation MD couldn’t tell me yes it should be done or no you don’t need it. He said for me it’s not black/white, that I am gray. Onc Dx 12, tumor size 2cm and lymph node positive was removed. Age, 47, and a lymph node positive are negative signs. I chose mastectomy instead of lumpectomy/RT. Currently doing reconstruction part with expanders and weekly fill-up. RT would change time frame dramatically. Has anyone had something similar?

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Accepted Answer

Facing decisions about radiation therapy when medical opinions aren't clear-cut can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already managing reconstruction timing and recovery. These "gray area" situations are challenging because they require weighing personal factors alongside medical ones, and it's completely understandable to seek input from others who've navigated similar choices. Consider discussing with your medical team about getting a second opinion or exploring whether delaying the decision might be possible while you focus on your current recovery phase.

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CJ

Community Member

6 months ago

I’m in the same boat just a few steps behind you. I have stage 1 invasive lobular about 1.2 cm (ER/PR+, HER-) No signs of it in the lymph nodes right now. Trying to decide which surgery to do. I’m hoping you get some great advice on here that I can observe too!

TB

Community Member

6 months ago

Hi I have invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast, 2cm (ER/PR+, HER-). No lymph node involvement. I am having a bilateral mastectomy Nov 20th.

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Facing decisions about radiation therapy when medical opinions aren't clear-cut can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already managing reconstruction timing and recovery. These "gray area" situations are challenging because they require weighing personal factors alongside medical ones, and it's completely understandable to seek input from others who've navigated similar choices. Consider discussing with your medical team about getting a second opinion or exploring whether delaying the decision might be possible while you focus on your current recovery phase.

Advice needed: Radiation after mastectomy for early breast cancer?

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