Breast Cancer Now Forum

Jane, I always thought that it was a bit odd that diagnosis like us - ie clear margins & no node involvement were treated the same as mastectomy + chemotherapy (radiotherapy wise). Felt a bit of a fraud as, hopefully, we are rather fortunate if you see what I mean. My Oncologist was lovely & great at explaining everything. When I said that I thought 15 was rather excessive - she said that it used to be 25!!. There are ongoing studies about reducing sessions but nothing concrete as yet. Mine was on my left side also which concerned me greatly re future problems re heart & lungs. P!us, met a lovely elderly lady in the waiting room one day at my pre op assessment who was there for her annual mammogram. She had told no one about her diagnosis until her treatment was finished & then said that her son - who is a scientist & sees everything in back and white - was absolutely livid re the Radiotherapy. He said that there are no proven benefits to Radiotherapy whatsoever. When I decided to decline mine, my husband said that he would support me 100% whatever I decided but he was so pleased that I decided not to have it. He thinks ( me also) that in 30 or 40 years time - "they" will say who thought that was a good idea?   I'm sorry that I've rabbited on a bit & I'm also sorry if anyone has taken offence at my stance. Obviously tho, if I had needed mastectomy etc then I would have had a different view but, fortunately, I didn't and so one size doesn't fit all xxx wishing you all the best whatever you decide x ... View more

Angelrainbow, Hi there - I had the exact same dilemma back in May. I'm 58 & a 0.7 lump was discovered at screening. I had lump removed with clear margins & no lymph node involvement. I was then told that I would need 15 sessions of Radiotherapy + 5 years on Tamoxifen. More or less accepted that but when I met with Oncologist & she explained 1-2% chance of recurrence with Rads + 4-6% without. Doesn't really seem that much of a difference to my unmedical mind.  She also said that it was very unlikely that the cancer would bother me again. She gave me 2 weeks to think about it & said come back with your decision or any further questions. To cut a long story shorter - I went back 2 weeks later and declined the offer of Radiotherapy. To me, 15 sessions seemed rather excessive - if it had been 4 or 5, I might have considered it. One size does not fit all, I think. Oncologist said she would write to my surgeon re my decision and that she was happy about it & advised me to take the Tamoxifen for 5 years which I am quite happy?? to do.    I really think that you have to do your own research + speak again to your Oncologist. Maybe then you can come to a decision that you'll be happy with. Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best + take care, Carol x ... View more

Tammy  - nothing wrong with your sense of humour! Tee Hee - very funny. Take care & all the best, Carol x ... View more

CHarys - really glad you're doing well with the treatment. Take on board all your comments & appreciate them. Best wishes, Carol ... View more

Thanks very much Jo for taking the time to reply. Have until 29th June to decide. Best wishes & take care, Carol x ... View more