Radio Therapy - should I or shouldn't I

Hi Sandra, 

My situation sounds very similar to yours, found early and small, I too count myself as being very lucky.   I did however chose to go ahead and have the radiotherapy, as Lyn said in an earlier post, it is an insurance policy, anything that helps slow down or stop the cancer coming back can only be a good thing, right? It also depends on how you are coping personally, some people are ok with no further treatment and some people chose to go and have every thing offered to them.   My oncologist was very helpful in my decision making process too, he showed me all the pros and cons.  He also did recommend the radiotherapy as a minimum for me.  My treatment was for 6 weeks and I drove myself each day to and from the hospital.  I found it more tiring to do all the driving than the actual treatment, the treatment is painless and very quick.  I am now on Tamoxifen for 5 years, with no issues so far. 

If you do decide to go ahead with the radiotherapy, ask about Mepetil film, I was offered it here in Brisbane at the Wesley Hospital and it certainly helped with the redness and soreness of the skin.  It is like sticky cling wrap that is applied to the treatment area and has to stay on for the duration of the treatment, so showering is a little tricky, but manageable.  I used to wash my hair over the bath with a 'pet shower'. 

Good luck with your decision making, it is always a tricky one as everyone copes and processes things differently.

Take care

Jackie 

Hi Sandra,

I also had a Lumpectomy last month. I am seeing my Oncologist next week for Radiotherapy which I chose as my cancer was 7mm. My Doctor explained and answered all my questions to this treatment.

I myself feel I have made the right decision, there will be tiredness and a it of skin burning but I am happy to be on the treatment if the outcome is good.

Cheers and all the best with your decision.  Eunice

Hi Sandra, like you I was ' lucky' and caught mine early, I also struggled with the radiation decision, it is worrying that it can (possibly) cause some damage to your heart and lungs further down the track, but as previously said , any tiny tiny rogue bits that escape lumpectomy could end up causing you BIG problems in the future ..... I decided that the benefits outweighed the risk and had 30 treatments , I had DIBH treatment to my left breast to hopefully minimise exposure to my heart, I am happy with my decision, it made me feel a little bit more pro-active and even tho treatment was a tiring slog , I feel like I gave the middle finger to BC , ultimately it can only be your decision alone and I wish you well in whatever you choose . ??

Hi Sandra,

I just wanted to jump in and welcome you to the Online Network. The members are wonderful and will provide you with great support. Keep asking away.

Ann-Marie

Hi Sandra, 

What great news , early, grade 1 and small.Are they doing the test can't remember the name , to see if it was positive or negative hormone receptive? I am waiting on this test , and seeing oncologist in March.

Mine was early 14 mm , but also another in a lymp very small, grade 1 margins were clear , and not in sential node.

I was told that radiation was like an insurance policy.

Really hoping that's all that's needed.

wishing you all the best on your journey.

Lyn xx

I'm 4 years post and honestly I would have done anything that gave me a minuscule advantage to beat the bc, I love my oncoligist who described radiation as the vacuum that sucks up the cancer we can't see. But it is a personal choice. Yourdecision