I’m on a course of FEC-T with one more left - hooray. I’ve been told that I need no rads at the end of it. The decision was made by my oncologist due to the fact that I’ve had a mastectomy and ANC. I was accepting of this at the beginning but have since had time to read up on this subject. Have read the NICE guidelines and gather that I am an intermediate candidate and my case should be discussed. They state that if 4 nodes are affected then rads are used in the case of MX (I’m 2) but then say that if the tumour is Grade 3 (I am) rads should be used in MX. I am now confused and obviously want the best outcome and if there is benefit to having rads then I will go for it. I will be discussing with my oncologist before my last treatment but in the meantime, if any of you ladies have had rads after MX and with similar diagnosis to me, then I would like to hear your opinions. GRADE 3, 2 NODES, ER+. Thanks.
Go for it!
Based on recent research it would seem to be a no-brainer in your case. Substantial reduction in risk of of recurrence and improvement in survival rates.
See: thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60488-8/fulltext
Radiotherapy is much easier than chemo. You have done the hard stuff (or will soon have done the hard stuff) to improve your chances, so you might as well improve them further by doing something that isn’t nearly as unpleasant.
Hello Spanishcarla
you could could ask one of your team to explain their decision and show you the numbers.
From reading it seems all cancer treatment is decided on what has worked best over years of research. They can put all your details into their computer program and it gives percentages of different treatments.
I asked my oncologist to do this when I was deciding on hormone therapy. It was fascinating to me but then I work with numbers so that’s how I understand things.
they tell you the statistics with and without different treatments based on your cancer details so they are tailored to your circumstances.
A treatment advised for one person may not be offered to another. If you really feel after getting all the details that you want rads then you can ask. Knowing why the team has made the decision might help
take care
keeks