Should I Have Radiation After Successful Cancer Treatment?

I opted out of radiology- research if TNBC recurrence is typical in same location as first tumor- I’m only one year since last chemo now, with no sign of recurrence. no guarantees- do what you feel is right for you!

Hi Christine - I had TNBC tumour 2.7cm grade 3 & had full cPR - hadnt gone into my nodes. For balance, my story is I did decide to have Radio because it kills microscopic cells in the breast tissue & on the tumour bed which scans can’t pick up. Personally I preferred to take belt & braces option. Hope this offers perspective?

i have TNBC IN JULY 2017 I went thought surgery chemotherapy and radiation i was 4 years and 8 months with no cancer in march of 2024 the tnbc went to my brain i had surgery and they removed it i’ve been doing chemo and immunotherapy now mri shows another tumor coming in i did all i could from it coming back good luck god bless

Christine S- I am so very sorry to hear of your recurrence. God bless you.

Christine stay strong and positive

Hi I had tnbc in right breast. Tumor was 2.6 did 5 months of chemo as well from Feb- July then double mastectomy on Aug 27,2024 not in lymph nodes either but another type of cancer was found so now Dr. wants me to start another cycle of chemo starting Sept 30th a drug called capecitabine by mouth bid for 2 weeks on,1 week off for a total of 8 rounds. I'm so overwhelmed and stressed because I thought I was done and only thing left was to heal from surgery so I could start my physical therapy to get back to normal!

I am being seen at Dana Farber. (TNBC grade 3, stage 1b). Radiation was recommended to sterilize the site and kill any microscopic cancer cells that may be hanging around. I plan to follow my doctor's recommendations so that I know I did everything in my power to prevent a recurrence.

Christine S May I ask what your symptoms were for brain cancer? I am 3.5 years out from TNBC and experiencing some right side cranial pain. The oncologist said she felt no lump. She didn't seem worried and said my markers were good. I see her in six months.

It's completely understandable to question why radiation might be recommended when pathology shows no remaining cancer. This is actually a common concern among patients who have achieved excellent results from their initial treatments. Radiation decisions often involve factors beyond what's immediately visible on scans or pathology reports, including reducing future recurrence risk based on the original tumor characteristics. Many community members have faced similar decisions and found it helpful to ask their oncologist for detailed explanations about the specific benefits and risks in their individual case, and some have sought second opinions to feel more confident in their choice.