How to stay positive about radiation and hormone therapy after early breast canc...

Hi April; you’re in the right place. People understand and have and are going through the same. It’s natural for your emotions to be like a roller coaster. I’d recommend working with a therapist; connect with as many of us as possible; join Mindfulness and other Integrative modalities to help cope. Check with your hospital for resources Gilda’s club has chapters across the country a great resource

Hi! I have stage 1B IDC. 2 lymph nodes with mets with a 23cm tumor and 80mm of DCIS. I've had a lumpectomy, and I've completed 13 radiation treatments with 21 more to go. So far, my radiation is not bad at all!!! My side effects ts thus far is that the area is just a little swollen, redness, and my skin is tougher to the touch. Im a little more tired than usual, but nothing to be worried about. I work full time, and fortunately, I'm able to just do my radiation on my lunch break. It doesn't take long....about 10-15 minutes. I have to take a lupron shot each month (have one had 1 so far) to put my body into medical menopause before starting my endocrine treatment, so I don't have any experience with that yet to share. I hope this helps ease your mind a little. Good luck!

It does. Ty;) how old are you if you don’t mind me asking?

Yw! I'm 46. What about you?

50

We'll have to stay in touch and check in on each other since we have similar stuff going on. Take care!

Many people find that focusing on the positive aspects of treatment helps them feel more empowered during this challenging time. Radiation therapy has become much more precise and manageable than in the past, with shorter treatment courses and advanced techniques that minimize side effects, while hormone therapy has helped countless people stay healthy long-term with manageable daily routines. Your courage in reaching out for support shows real strength, and this community understands the mix of emotions that come with treatment decisions.

April, This all seems overwhelming! It’s best to try to take things one day at a time. Try to focus on the positives! You are young, healthy, they caught things relatively early. Focus on what you can control! Your diet, activity, social circles, et al. I, too, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, 9mm, along with 50 mm of DCIS. Had a partial mastectomy 31 January 2024. Follow up treatment was radiation for 5 days with a 6th booster to the tumor site. Since then I have been on AI’s. Started with Arimidex, I pushed it for a whole year, but the side effects were miserable. I tried exemestane, three months was all I could tolerate. Now, I’m on letrozole for past two months. I’m still in the honeymoon period, but staying positive this will work. The radiation was tolerable, and my first line of defense, as the margins were clear, but narrow. The tumor was close to my pectoral wall. I’m doing my best to stick with the AI’s for 5 years. I am healthy, active, and never took any medications, so I know my system is sensitive, but I am determined to crush this nasty beast! It’s a journey for sure. But we take it one day at a time and thank God we have so much more information and treatments available to us now. Please take care and know we are all here praying and pulling for you❣️ sending you all the best & loads of hugs❣️❣️❣️

Lee: My mom’s cousin has had zero side effects from letrizole. I really wish the same for you!! I’m about to start tamoxifen after radiation. I’m scared but like you, I’m very healthy and am determined to make it work!!

April, Remember, we are all scared, but we are all smart and fighting this with everything we’ve got! Always work with your medical team and have open and honest conversations! Determination and positivity are half the battle. Stay strong! Sending you love and thanks for your encouraging words❣️❣️❣️