Optional radiation following mastectomy

Hi TaraV, just from my experience(2 bouts of bc) if a specialist says it’s optional or it’s up to you,then it’s not absolutely necessary.I had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and 6wks radiation and the darn thing came back 7 yrs later in the same spot! So there are no guarantees and all the treatments come with side effects.I have scarring on the lung as a result of radiation and it also restricts my reconstruction choices should I want to go down that path.My skin is less elastic and can’t take an implant.I had my mastectomy in 2010 and I’m ok with it but I do get fed up with it sometimes.I think you need to consider whether you want recon down the track and also ask your radiation onc if your lung/thyroid/ribs  could be affected.It’s easier to decide when you have all the facts and stats.