Radiation after mastectomy

  I had the same concern and in the end I have decided to not do radiation.  I had a path complete response and felt like it wouldn't offer me much benefit.  My surgeon is not really happy that I did not do radiation he seems to think I will regret it if I reccur (I had a large tumor and there was focal fibrosis in 3 lymph nodes- which he seemed to think there were tumors in those nodes).  He felt like I was stopping short on my treatment, but I just had a lot of anxiety about radiation with the increased chance of getting lymphedema (had 31 nodes removed) and the effects on my skin and reconstruction.  In the end, I decided the possible side effects were not worth it to me.  I don't know if it was the right decision, but I have made peace with it.  Good luck with your decision.

 I understand, as I just went to my surgeon last week and he brought up the radiation again.  He really feels like it should be done and he tells me if you were my wife/sister/daughter thats what I would recommend (which then makes me question my decision not to do it ).  I previously went to see a radiation dr and he had recommended it as well, but my oncologist was on the fence (because of the complete response).  I also felt like I have been through enough treatment and didn't want to deal with going to appts everyday (even if only for 15 minutes) and the side effects.  I guess we never know if the decisions we make are the right ones, but we just have to decide if we can live with them.  Take care.

  I think you are right with only being able to get a certain amount of radiation in a lifetime.  If I remember right,  my oncologist told me that the difference in reccurrence following the mastectomy w/radiation than mastectomy without was like 4%.  I don't know if I heard that right or not, but felt there was a greater than 4% chance I would have side effects from radiation.  I am with you on the tired of treatment and I just cant do it.  I know its a risk not to do it, but I reasoned with myself that people do have reccurrences after radiation as well, so if I do reccur it wont really be because I didnt do radiation.

I was 36 at dx...You can see my signature below. I had radiation. I just finished about 4.5 weeks ago. I had 3 lymph nodes. My Radiation Oncologist told me if I went to 100 doctors all 100 would recommend it. I just went with that. It seems ike he gave e like a 15%. I am not too sure. I had 13 nodes removed and my arm is sore.....no swelling at this time. MY surgeon said she would recommend the radiation also. She said that way if anything ever happens I can say well I DID ALL I COULD......I dont know if it was the right decision....I do know we all have to do what we feel is best for us. I do know that radiation was a walk in the park compared to chemo. I had VERY little side effects. Just was kinda crappy going 5 days a week for 32 treatments. I do not know how tihis will effect me if I ever have reconstruction. Which I am not sure I am even gonna do. I am just tired of Doctors......LOL

Rudy, before you decide whether or not to do chemo, at least find out what your situation is.  How big is the tumor, and do you have positive nodes?    If you are not stage IV, with chemo you have a decent shot at a cure.  That makes it worth doing.  If you are a stage IV, treatments can prolong your life, maybe even by a long, long time, but will likely not cure you.  In that situation, you'll have to weigh quality/quantity of life issues.  But right now, as far as you know, you are in the same boat as most of us - potentially curable with treatment.   Do your future self a favor and go for it!  It's only about 4 months, and not everyone finds chemo that hard.  There are lots of good drugs for nausea, for instance.  Most of us never throw up, not even once.   Yes, the hair goes, but otherwise most of us function ok throughout treatment.  I took time off work, but still took care of my kidlets and did things like daily yoga, walks, lunch with friends, moview with my honey, and so on.   It is doable, and really worth it because it could very well save your life.   

As for mastectomy vs large lumpectomy, that's of course a personal decision.  I had a large lumpectomy and still have decent cleavage, though my right boob is smaller with a big old dent in it.  (who cares!) 

Another option that is considered state of the art is to do neoadjuvant chemo, which means chemo before surgery.  That way they can watch the tumor and see whether the drugs are working.  If they are working super well and the tumor melts away, then you have a fantastic chance at a cure (around 90%).  If not, you have a chance to change drugs and find something that works better.   I would recommend going this route.

Whatever you decide, we'll be here for you.

Love,
Denise