Radiation and long term sideeffects
I have had breast conserving surgery and am due to start chemo early May. I have met with the radiation dude and he was talking about possible side effects of radiation and that there is a chance that...
Forum Discussion
@CassW88 hey there! I was 43 when I had my first diagnosis, I had breast conserving surgery and as I was DCIS they recommended Radiation then onto Tamoxifen. I did do that, and at the 4yr mark I had a recurrence in the scar tissue of the surgery :/ inspite of radiation and tamoxifen and in my 12 month checkup. I know in a third of cases Tamoxifen doesn't work, but they can't explain how it happened when I had radiation. Not sure if radiation added to it, they really don't know. So at 47 I had a 2.5cm tumor, Stage 2 Grade 3, and was immediate chemo after more breast surgery. 12 months later in 2017 I chose a single mastectomy to save it happening again very reluctantly, as I wanted to keep my breast, I could not have radiation again though.
After what Ive been through, I think for me? I wouldnt have done the radiation for what I had, I also think had I just done the single mastectomy back then with recon I wouldnt have faced it again. Its so hard to know whats best for you. My Mum had a single mastectomy and no treatment and was 26yrs free of it. I only did a single based on recommendation of the genetic counsellors as I was BRCA negative.
All the best with the decision, ask many many questions, one of the strangest side effects Ive had for 8yrs is cramping inside my chest and back from radiation.
M x
After what Ive been through, I think for me? I wouldnt have done the radiation for what I had, I also think had I just done the single mastectomy back then with recon I wouldnt have faced it again. Its so hard to know whats best for you. My Mum had a single mastectomy and no treatment and was 26yrs free of it. I only did a single based on recommendation of the genetic counsellors as I was BRCA negative.
All the best with the decision, ask many many questions, one of the strangest side effects Ive had for 8yrs is cramping inside my chest and back from radiation.
M x