I had a mastectomy in May with immediate recon, and am now having chemotherapy. I had 2 nodes positive.
My surgeon originally said “probably no rads”. The next time I saw him he said “maybe, it’s up to the oncologist”. Next time I saw him he said “when you have rads”. This made me think they had discussed it.
When I finally met with my onc she said it is not usual to have rads with 2 node pos. So it is not part of my treatment plan.
Also when breast was removed, the cells appeared only in the tumour and none scattered about. 1 node was full of cancer and the 2nd just broken into.
I am triple neg so no wonder drugs for me.
Is it normal that I don’t get rads? Do the risks outweigh the benefits with 2 nodes?
anyone got any clues? I’m sure I would get rads if I insisted I wanted them, But I don’t really as it is invasive, especially as I have an implant
Can’t really give you much advice, except that everybody seems to be different in what treatments they are given, even if they seem to have the same thing. That can be both confusing and worrying if you think others are getting something you think YOU should be having (been there!).
I had three nodes removed but no spread so I didn’t need rads, but was told before my mastectomy that I would be having chemo. Turns out I wasn’t given that either cos the side-effects outweighed any benefits. I’m on hormone therapy.
The best thing to do it ask why you are or are not receiving the various treatments – it’ll put your mind at rest rather than comparing yourself to others - which will make you worry yourself silly if you’re anything like me!
It depends on many different things I think, size of tumour I think is the main thing, what type of cancer, clear margins etc and more often than not the oncologist, best to ask them why not, I was told no rads to start, then 3 weeks I ended up with 5 weeks because of the implant mine was down to size and aggression as was the chemo…if you have to have rads, it seems to be a doddle compared to chemo, the only side effect I have is localised itching for some reason and touch wood it remains like that as I am over half way through …
Hey, I also had a mastectomy - in July, and one node positive (no idea of details). The tumor in my breast was 35 mm, E+ and H+ (so I’ll have later both Herceptin and Tamoxifen).
The oncologist said no rays - said she would look into it again, but seemed quite sure. I like that, because that mean recon faster (mine was not done at time of op, to heal faster before chemo).
I too am triple neg, I had chemo and rads (tumor was 2cms/2 nodes/grade 3). Just had first part of my recon and feeling great (diagnosed Nov2005).
Lilith - rads were fine - only localised and rather painful blistering but no other side effects.
personally I was glad they threw it all at mine, at 37 when diagnosed and a mum I wanted ‘the lot’ - I do know that rads are oftenn not given and may be of only a small benefit in low nodes and/or confined tumour. But low benefit compared to minimal side effects I know I would push for it.
Good luck with whatever you choose and remember that the Oncologist is not ‘God like’ and you should be able to voice what you want and why - if you feel intimidated take someone who will talk on your behalf.
My Tumour was 2.7cm and not near chest wall. I think in the grand scheme of things, not that bad.
Jan (wanas)…Your BC has almost identical chararcteristics to mine. Glad to see your approaching the 2yr milestone and feeling great. Reckon the rads was given because triple neg has less treatment options.
I am going to find out the additional % benefit from onc & con because although I scare myself with the risk of lymphodema and con said it “always” gives capsular contracture, it might be worth it especially as BC nurse said they could repair the boob.
In all fairness to onc & con if I really wanted it, I would get it. But their mixed signals make it sound like I will be the one left tossing the coin.