Hi everyone,
I've just seen quite a few messages in response to my post. I certainly did not mean to generate any alarm or concern about people's choices to have or not have radiation. That is the last thing I would want to do at such an important time in our lives. As someone pointed out, it is an individual decision as to what treatment you agree to undergo, and we are all different!
It's just that I was very touched by the story in the Beacon and was wanting to propose that newly diagnosed women be given complete and up-to-date information that they can use to decide on their treatment plan. Someone suggested that you put the question to your "cancer team" and see what they advise. I think that's exactly right. It's just a case of knowing what questions to ask. (Not everyone is as lucky as me to have a family member who is a doctor with a strong research background.)
Also, just for the record, from memory the concern with the heart is not about the risk of heart cancer, but rather about the cardio-vascular problems that arise afterwards.
Anyway, please forgive me if my post caused any worries for you personally. Please don't let it add to your stress. Just remember that we are all individuals and in different situations. What works for me may not be applicable to you.
Best wishes
