Today I had some good news, was hugely relieved, although the cluster or tumour as my surgeon calls it, was a little bigger than originally thought, he did get it out with clear margins and it was all intermediate or grade 2 DCIS showing in the post-lumpectomy pathology, so I am very thankful for that.
Now I wait to hear whether the pathologist advises radiotherapy to treat any other cells in the breast which aren’t yet visible. I hope to meet with her and discuss benefits and risks.
What advice or experience might some of you have? Any benefits or risks you think of having /not having radiotherapy after a lumpectomy?
Any questions you asked the pathologist, or wish you had asked or known the answer to?
If the radiotherapist advises not to have radiotherapy, surgeon said that may or may not result in a further WLE in a year or so, if something recurs in the same breast.
If they do radiotherapy now, I think that should kill off any rogue cancer cells and should prevent a further lumpectomy being needed?
but also means, if I do have radiotherapy now, and still something did recur in the same breast ;it prevents further lumpectomy as radiotherapy cannot be repeated on the same breast (it would automatically become a mastectomy).
I realise everyone’s situation and diagnosis is different. But any thoughts would be useful and I thank you for reading this. Thank you x
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Hi
Sorry you have joined the club.
I’ve had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal for a small grade 1 invasive tumor. My surgeon suggested radiotherapy right from the beginning of my treatment plan almost as an insurance policy. After the pathology report came back confirming my tumor was starting to go walkabout he said it was a necessity.
I definitely would have had it anyway for peace of mind, but everyone is different.
Do what you think is best for you.
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Did you have radiotherapy? Ive the same thoughts
What levels?
Is it really necessary ?
Any experiences ?
Thanks
Hi, how are things with you, have you had a lumpectomy and are you waiting to hear about further treatment?
following the guidance of the oncologist, I didn’t have radiotherapy. I was given all sorts of statistics, but the summary seemed to be that in my case, it would not be a great advantage to have RT.
following on from the WLE, I have my first scans and mamograms this autumn.
All the best
Hi
Ive nobody to explain in my case the relative advantages disasvantages
And now Im looking after my mother when I ought to be trying to get my plans together
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Sorry to hear this I had the same situation with my Dad at around the same stage as you - hard when you’re trying to get yourself back together xx
Hi,
I had a lumpectomy in September 2022.
My oncologist recommended radiotherapy and I agreed to have it so that it’s less likely I’ll have a recurrence.
Everyone is different, but I was happy to follow the advice of the oncologist.
x
Thanks I am just going tomorrow to get measured up for the machine not feeling very good about it
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Hi,
I hope that the appointment goes well. I think my planning and measuring appointment was fairly quick. The tattoos were not painful either.
You can do it.
If you feel like it, tell us how it went.
Take care,
Katie x
Hello
It was very reassuring - seeing the machine and talking to the nurse although her saying that I don’t have to hold my breath and I won’t be tired made me wonder if they are being a bit too optimistic there. I shall see. Anyway I did feel a lot better afterwards. I am now starting treatment tomorrow five weeks five/a week and I am very very glad that it is just preventative as I am clear of cancer. Thank you so much everyone as most of the things I needed to find out I have done from forums. Good luck brave women
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Hello Im beginning my second week of radiotherapy - Im in.France - five sessions/wk for five weeks. Im apprehensive about effects - Im wondering what I can do myself to support my system. Im getting aloe vera oil as I dont have a plant to take a leaf from
I am trying to eat organic vegetables and eat well
Last weekend I visited a friend who cooked for me (Im on my own) The enormity of mortality hit me as the idea of a light going out and what I need to do /want to do before this. To be honest I am having radiotherapy as preventative treatment so Im very lucky.
I finished radiotherapy on 4th Nov. I am still coughing although having had a lung Xray they said nothing to worry about. I also today have a lump on the back of my hand on the same side. Does anyone know anything about this please? I think it has just arrived. Thank you
1 Like