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shat's avatar
shat
Member
11 years ago

Last minute Rads doubts

I am due for my first RT session in 3 hours and I still feel undecided.

I have been given the stats of 25% chance of recurrence without and 5% with RT. However, what if I do get a recurrence anyway. I will have limited treatment options (mastectomy only choice) and cant have rads again. I will also have limited options for reconstruction. I have small boobs so am perhaps more likely to detect a recurrence early enough and could possibly have the same treatment and save my breast if I choose not to have rads. My body/life is already stuffed from chemo so another round wont matter too much..

I have also had a complete response to chemo so I cant help thinking that there is a 75% chance I am subjecting myself to this degrading and dangerous procedure for nothing. God I am so confused... I thought I had resigned myself to RT but I cant stop these nagging doubts...

Tanya

6 Replies

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  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Good for you. It all is so tough to,have to endure. Hang in there,we are all cheering for you. 

    Paula x

  • shat's avatar
    shat
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi all,

    I ended up struggling through with the first day. I am just feeling so defeated at the moment with other life events and early menopause to boot. You all amaze me with your courage.

    thanks for your words of encouragement.

    tanya

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Shat,

    I have had a recurrence. I originally had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Whilst it's not nice to hear I had a recurrence I just wanted to let you know that when I did get the recurrence I had no niggling doubts that maybe if I'd done this or that it wouldn't have happened. I remember thinking well I did all I could and left no stone unturned treatment wise. 

    Yes it was distressing to have a recurrence but once I got my head around it, it was all about getting on with it. I ended up having a mastectomy and more chemo. I tell you all this so you know whilst it's not great, a recurrence is not the end of the world. Two and a half years after my mastectomy I went on to have a successful reconstruction. 

    There are some ladies on the breast reconstruction page who decided (in consultation with their Drs) to have a mastectomy instead of radiation. At the end of the day you are in charge of your treatment. Talk to your Dr, let him know of your concerns. I am sure they will put your mind at ease. 

    I wish you all the best.

    Paula.

    PS. radiation was not nearly as tough as chemo.  

  • Mozzie_Bear's avatar
    Mozzie_Bear
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Tanya, I have done the lot and don't regret it my choice at all.  I would prefer to think I have done all I can to get rid of the little buggers now and not have a recurrence.  Of course there are no guarantees but  that is the choice I have taken.  I want to believe that I have all I can at the start.

    Your choices must suit you and you must be happy with the choices you make.    Radiation wasn't too bad and it is now done with and I am at the next stage of hormone therapy and I will do that happily based on the information and conviction of my oncologist.

    Good luck. Maureen

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Tanya, it is your body, your life and sometimes the decisions are difficult to make. I followed what my medical team advised, I put all my faith in them as they were the experts. Radiotherapy has it's risks, I didn't feel at all degraded however. It's a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide. Take care,

    Hazel xx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi:) I think we all have these doubts,sometime over the course of our treatment.However,25 and 5 percent are very different .It is ultimately your choice,but for me,I always listen to the experts,then do all that I can to make sure that I stay healthy.Cheers Robyn.xox