Can You Choose Chemotherapy Instead of Radiation?

Hello, I'm not 100 percent positive, but in my opinion, you can do whatever you want. It's your body, your choice.

I'm not sure

I would think it depends what kind of cancer an stage

Hi Karen, Do your own homework and research your options. If you have to get a second opinion, do so. Don't feel guilty about it. Knowledge is power, and I wish I would have done different things and spoke up for myself more the first time I was diagnosed with cancer 3 plus years ago. Maybe I wouldn't have cancer again now. All of this is super hard and confusing for us. It's ok to ask around and get different opinions. Best of luck!

Thank u I love this platform I don't feel so alone u are all amazing women God bless ❤️

Support is great

Lidia, you got this! I wish I was on this forum the first time around. It would have helped me somewhat, I'm sure. Lots of different experiences and journeys everyone is on.

Yes know one knows the journey unless u been through it or going through it keep the faith 🙏 better days are coming Rest eat well drink lots of water I normally get the water with hydration especially after chemo.to restore....I had to overcome my hair loss still going through that mentally But thank God I'm still here....

I would do both if I had the chance. I wasn’t given the option. I was just told chemo only. Most of the survivors that I have seen have had both.

Just curious why you would rather do chemo. Both have unpleasant side effects. I think chemo is more for patients that have spread to the lymph nodes? Do you know people that regret the radiation?

Hello, If I had a choice or was better informed about all the options, I would have chosen only radiation. For me personally, chemo almost killed me, it was awful. I had radiation for 30 days straight and it didn't give me many side effects other than fatigue, and I was already fatigued with the chemo. I was told I had to do all of it, including lumpectomy due to the type and aggressive form of BC I had. Four years later, I have BC again on the same breast, not aggressive, but it doesn't matter, still cancer. This time I chose a mastectomy. That's what I had wanted the first time around and the doctors talked me out of it. I wish I hadn't listened, maybe I wouldn't be in this situation again. But the first time, I didn't educate myself, didn't research. I just said yes to everything out of fear. Don't know. I guess you CAN refuse whatever you want. However, do your own research so you can make your best decision. Best of luck to you💕

Also. My lymph nodes were clear the first time. They are clear this time around as well.

Treatment decisions like choosing between chemotherapy and radiation are deeply personal and depend on many factors specific to each person's unique situation. These are important conversations to have with your oncology team, as they can explain the options available based on your particular diagnosis, stage, and overall health picture. Many others in this community have navigated similar treatment decisions, so hopefully you'll hear from some who can share their experiences with discussing different treatment paths with their doctors.