Hey !! New here! I’m 34 diagnosed in August of 2023 had a lumpectomy in October all clear margins, progesterone and estrogen positive, stage 1 with a 1mm tumor. I’ve been on tamoxifen since December and after a run around with hoping to have a double mastectomy with reconstructive I’ve opted out. Starting radiation Monday 4/15 for 5 weeks Mon-Friday. I’m very nervous about long term side effects from radiation if anyone has any advice that would be great 
Hi kaypar23
Thanks for posting on our forum
We hope to be able to respond to you on Monday.
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Lisa
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Hello, I don’t have advice as such, but I had a similar diagnosis and had radiotherapy age 36. I am now 54 and regularly do triathlons, half marathons etc. I work at it, but can honestly say radiotherapy has left no lingering effects. It was a wearsome chore, but so glad I did it. Good luck.
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Hi Kaypar23
Thanks for your post. It is understandable to feel nervous about the side effects of radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy is given to destroy any cancer cells that may have been left in the breast and surrounding area after surgery. This can reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Although there are some long term side effects of radiotherapy, the benefits of having treatment do generally outweigh the risks.
Hopefully @edp’s response has helped.
Do also talk to your treatment team about any concerns you have with radiotherapy.
You might also find talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We are currently running the Younger Women Together support events face to face and online. These events have been created to provide support for younger women (20-45) with primary breast cancer which you may find helpful.
You can also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Sonia
Breast Care Nurse
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As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.