Forum Discussion
Did you do radiotherapy?
I am looking for some sharing/contribution esp for those who had hormone -ve Her 2+ve diagnosis. I had stage 2 grade 3 tumor 2.5cm. Lymph nodes clear and a mastectomy done.
Four chemo rounds + Herceptin prescribed.
I think I have to make a decision with radiotherapy soon. The chief radiotherapy oncologist who saw me twice so far felt radiotherapy would do minimal benefit for my case. Whereas another felt I would benefit somewhat. It's kind of borderline for me.
Thanks.
Four chemo rounds + Herceptin prescribed.
I think I have to make a decision with radiotherapy soon. The chief radiotherapy oncologist who saw me twice so far felt radiotherapy would do minimal benefit for my case. Whereas another felt I would benefit somewhat. It's kind of borderline for me.
Thanks.
21 Replies
Thanks lovely. My problem is one thinks I don't benefit much and the other thinks it's probably worth so it's so hard! I spoke to my surgeon today. Guess one factor to consider is the lymphovascular invasion the cancer cells were showing signs they were invading the lymph channel(s) within the lump in my breast so that is one reason why it maybe worth covering that factor. I know I can't slot in any treatment after I decide not to and of cos nothing is guaranteed. xxxfairydust said:auOrei Hi If I had a choice I would not do radiation.
In my case I was told I would reduce my reccurrence of cancer by 70percent. I also had to have radiation in the neck . I had few side effects .Minor burns in the last weeks . I became increasingly fatigued. My energy levels are nowhere near normal. I am feeling generally fine.
So if an oncologist is suggesting to not proceed then maybe you are doing the best for yourself by not going ahead. Lettting your body heal is very good medicine. Not everyone has or needs radiation .I found radiation so much more easier than chemo . It is your decision.- auOrei Hi If I had a choice I would not do radiation.
In my case I was told I would reduce my reccurrence of cancer by 70percent. I also had to have radiation in the neck . I had few side effects .Minor burns in the last weeks . I became increasingly fatigued. My energy levels are nowhere near normal. I am feeling generally fine.
So if an oncologist is suggesting to not proceed then maybe you are doing the best for yourself by not going ahead. Lettting your body heal is very good medicine. Not everyone has or needs radiation .I found radiation so much more easier than chemo . It is your decision.
You have been through a lot lovely. :( I am glad for you that all the treatments are behind you now. Big hugs!!! xxxmelclarity said:Ive done both 4yrs apart, I found though at the time Radiotherapy was a little challenging. I did end up with severe burn and the fatigue was horrendous but honestly 2 weeks off work at the end demanded by the radiologist as I worked all the way through and it did improve dramatically. Chemo 2015 whoa!!!!! ummm no contest hands down horrendously hard on every level and was terribly ill and unable to work. So radiotherapy very doable :) Hugs Melinda xo
Yeah my main radiotherapy oncologist felt it's really minimal benefit for my case but another on his team felt otherwise. My breast is small compared to the 2.5cm lump. It's clear surgical margin no muscle involved but after reading your post I think I would like to ask my surgeon how far it was away from muscle. I think I can deal with radiotherapy than chemo. xxprimek said:My friend had radiotherapy (very faired skinned) and didn't get any more than redness. I didn't require it. Location of the lump and breast size sometimes affects this as more needed to get to the right spot. Most peope found it was easier than chemo who I have spoken to. Hope the same for you. Kath x
Thanks hun. Not planning to do any reconstruction happy to wear a prosthesis for the rest of my life.Nadi said:For me, radiotherapy was much easier than chemo. I did get red and a little burnt towards the end. My skin started peeling but it was only moderately uncomfortable for 2 weeks. I did get tired but that was probably more to do with having to go in to the hospital almost every day for 7 weeks. I was happy when it ended. Have you had reconstruction yet? I've been told that radiation can effect what kind of reconstruction you can have so that might be worth exploring. Of course there are no guarantees with anything. You can only do what's best for you with the options you are given and the information at hand. Good luck with your decision.- Ive done both 4yrs apart, I found though at the time Radiotherapy was a little challenging. I did end up with severe burn and the fatigue was horrendous but honestly 2 weeks off work at the end demanded by the radiologist as I worked all the way through and it did improve dramatically. Chemo 2015 whoa!!!!! ummm no contest hands down horrendously hard on every level and was terribly ill and unable to work. So radiotherapy very doable :) Hugs Melinda xo
- My friend had radiotherapy (very faired skinned) and didn't get any more than redness. I didn't require it. Location of the lump and breast size sometimes affects this as more needed to get to the right spot. Most peope found it was easier than chemo who I have spoken to. Hope the same for you. Kath x
- For me, radiotherapy was much easier than chemo. I did get red and a little burnt towards the end. My skin started peeling but it was only moderately uncomfortable for 2 weeks. I did get tired but that was probably more to do with having to go in to the hospital almost every day for 7 weeks. I was happy when it ended. Have you had reconstruction yet? I've been told that radiation can effect what kind of reconstruction you can have so that might be worth exploring. Of course there are no guarantees with anything. You can only do what's best for you with the options you are given and the information at hand. Good luck with your decision.
Exactly hun. While the main oncologist felt I didn't meet the guidelines for radiotherapy another oncologist felt I am borderline. If I do not do radiotherapy after chemo I will be left to wonder if I have given myself the best. I feel that I can deal with radiotherapy better than chemo which goes to the inside of me. Although I had some tell me radiotherapy was harder than chemo. We are all different I guess.Nadi said:Hi, I was stage 1, Grade 3 HER2+ Es- PR-. Had lumpectomy so had to do radiotherapy as well as chemo and 12 months herceptin. Radiotherapy was fine after chemo. My personal thinking was that I wanted to do everything I could to prevent recurrence.
How did you feel about radiotherapy? It sounds easier than chemo for you? xx- Hi, I was stage 1, Grade 3 HER2+ Es- PR-. Had lumpectomy so had to do radiotherapy as well as chemo and 12 months herceptin. Radiotherapy was fine after chemo. My personal thinking was that I wanted to do everything I could to prevent recurrence.
