I saw the radiographer today. I told him no. I am not going to have radiation. I know you lovely ladies would have supported me through it but I couldn't handle anymore. I am taking my 85+% chance of non reoccurance along with the herceptin and risking it. They tell me I would have up to 95% chance of non reoccurance with the radiation but then they could never use it on that area again if it did reoccur. Also, my chances of lymphodema would be considerably higher. My head is not in a good space with this so I said thank you but no. Very proud of my sisters here on the forum who have been able to plough ahead but for me right now, it is a non event. My BC nurse is going to be fuming with me but I am a bit tired of the dictatorship and just want some support for my decisions. Fortunately, hubby 'gets' it.

I think we need to listen to our bodies once we have the required statistical info. I didn’t want to increase my chances of recurrence but the radiographer couldn’t give me a good enough reason for radio in my case and my body had as much as it could take at that point so I opted out. Many people will take every treatment for every extra % and that is great for them. For me personally, it was time to stop before my quality of life became something I resented.

@Blossom1961 Last year when I saw the radiation oncologist I was told the decision to have radiation treatment was mine I chose to have the treatment which slightly increased my survival chances but in life there is no guarantees which I have acceptedI fully support each individual choice to have treatment or not to have treatment because only the individual know what is best for our wellbeing and the medical professionals should respect our decision and give the patient supportStork

You should do what you want to and to hell with anyone who says otherwise; your body is your business and you get to decide what you are going to do with it. Freedom of choice is a fundamental right and if that is what you want it should be the end of the argument.Should be. You've educated yourself on the stats which can be brutal when you look at the percentages--between 1% and 5% increase in survival rates when it comes to chemo (for some of us) and similarly bleak prospects for rads (for some of us) There are no guarantees and these are very difficult decisions that only you can make working with the best advice and research you can get. Sadly, that won't stop the well intended pointing out to you that you are missing an opportunity (miniscule as it is) or offering all manner of advice (informed and otherwise) that, while it may be entirely relevant for the person giving it, bears no correlation to your situation. Get going with your life and put this behind you--none of us have a crystal ball, you can only trust your gut and, like the rest of us, hope for the best in the future. Mxx

They've done their duty and explained the risks and benefits and you've made the decision with all tbe facts. It's your body after all.

It'll be to mop up any escapee cells @Trikki2

I said no | BCNA Online Network

Zoffiel
Member
7 years ago
You should do what you want to and to hell with anyone who says otherwise; your body is your business and you get to decide what you are going to do with it. Freedom of choice is a fundamental right and if that is what you want it should be the end of the argument.
Should be. You've educated yourself on the stats which can be brutal when you look at the percentages--between 1% and 5% increase in survival rates when it comes to chemo (for some of us) and similarly bleak prospects for rads (for some of us) There are no guarantees and these are very difficult decisions that only you can make working with the best advice and research you can get.
Sadly, that won't stop the well intended pointing out to you that you are missing an opportunity (miniscule as it is) or offering all manner of advice (informed and otherwise) that, while it may be entirely relevant for the person giving it, bears no correlation to your situation. Get going with your life and put this behind you--none of us have a crystal ball, you can only trust your gut and, like the rest of us, hope for the best in the future. Mxx
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Hey @Blossom1961

Totally support your decision. Sometimes we have to follow our instincts.

I considered keeping the radiation "up my sleeve" so to speak, just in case. I chose to take the extra percentage cover purely because the thing had spread quite extensively as it was. If it had been less invasive as far as the nodes and surrounding area I would have probably opted out as well. As it turned out I had next to issues at all with the rads so I am content with my decision.

You just have to do what feels right for you at the time. No guilt, no regrets right?

xoxoxox
Stork
Member
7 years ago
@Blossom1961
Last year when I saw the radiation oncologist I was told the decision to have radiation treatment was mine
I chose to have the treatment which slightly increased my survival chances
but in life there is no guarantees which I have accepted
I fully support each individual choice to have treatment or not to have treatment because only the individual know what is best for our wellbeing and the medical professionals should respect our decision and give the patient support
Stork
arpie
Member
7 years ago
You've just got to go with your gut feeling, @Blossom1961 ...... you'll still have your regular checkups & be vigilant yourself - so all the best!! Take care xx
BlackWidow
Member
7 years ago
You have to do what you feel is right for you and I can understand your decision. I also refused further treatment and have no regrets. My friend refused 4 years ago and is still here. I fully believe that at some stage we begin to crave some quality in our lives instead of mere quantity.
Has your medical team suggested having a little break to get your had in the right space then going for it then ?
Hang onto that wonderful supportive hubby ! Anne

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