New to group Hello!

I thought that radiotherapy was routine with lumpectomy unless there were health issues involved? Have you had a chat with the radiotherapist to see what they think? I had a mastectomy but with one positive node so was referred to one,  and he thought based on everything else (clear margins,  no LVI, full clearance and only the one sentinel positive,  size of tumour and grade 1/2 only) that there was no gain. 

Hi. To be honest my philosophy has been to take everything on offer. I was offered chemo as the hormone therapy would not work for me. I took it even though I don’t really want to have chemo. I didn’t want to regret not taking up on any treatment that the experts are offering. That’s just my view. You need to do what’s right for you . Good luck with whatever you decide 

Hi Bilko19

Great news that the tumour's gone and lymph nodes are clear.

a warm welcome to the online community and yes, it's so good to have a group you can chat with - going through this in lockdown must feel quite isolating. Have a look around the site and join in anything you want to - we are all very friendly and you sometimes find answers in the unlikeliest of places.

Hmm - radiotherapy. Decisions are hard, aren't they. I'm a "throw everything at it" kind of person but also was strongly recommended it all, anyway. If you haven't already, then perhaps chat with your BCN about the pros and cons - maybe that will help you decide. 

Hopefully some others who have declined will come along soon to chat with you.

R

Hi Bilko19, I also had lumpectomy, clear margins no nodes affected, will start tamoxifen and I will be having radiotherapy.  From what I've read on other posts and from my meeting with my oncologist there doesn't seem much to worry about with radiotherapy.

I also believe in throwing everything on offer at it because should the cancer return I don't want to have any regrets and wonder what if I had had the radiotherapy.

What about the radiotherapy is worrying you?  It's purpose is to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind which I am told can happen, even with clear margins.

I'd discuss pros and cons with your oncologist but to me it seems best to have it.  Hope you reach a decision you are happy with.

Hi @Bilko19, It was suggested from my diagnosis that if I had the lumpectomy that i would have the follow up radiotherapy to complete the treatment along with Letrozole. So of course this was my expectation. I had the 5 day Fast Forward  treatments and found it quite easy to cope with ,it took longer to get into the right position on the table than to have the treatment. The staff were really great and explained everything to me and checked my skin every day. My unit supplied a moisturising cream for use during and after the treatment and my practice nurse has prescribed it since so that I can continue to use it .My side effects were minimal and Inow have a slightly sun tanned look to that boob, which i know will fade as time goes on. I should add that I had a lumpectomy and total node removal  on the other side (unconnected) 22 years ago followed by 25 sessions of RT(normal at that time). I felt this had stood me in good stead and was assured that the now shortened treatment time was just as effective  in prevention of recurrence.I wish you well in making the right decision for yourself, sending hugs xx Kwissy

Thank you all so much for your replies, I have found them all so helpful and reassuring. I was having a real blip after seeing the oncologist, as previously I assumed the radiotherapy was a given, but he actually told me it was my decision,  which threw me into confusion, especially when he talked about all the possible side effects of rt. Anyway  the next day, I had told myself I needed to give myself as much chance of it not returning, and by fate, the radiology team rang to make my appointment, so it is going to happen!

You've all been so helpful  thank you! Xx

Glad you reached a decision you are happy with Bilko19 and I do think it's the right one.  There is a radiotherapy thread you can follow if you are anxious about it.  My onco thought it was highly unlikely I would have any side effects beyond the potential redness/soreness if that.  It's a bit like surgery, they have to give you the worst case scenario but chances are it will all be fine.

Here is the Feb radiotherapy thread https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/questions-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/210934/february-bc-radiotherapy

This one might help too https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/questions-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/126482/radiotherapy-club-post-your-top-tips-for-dealing-with-radiotherapy-here-please

I start radiotherapy 22nd Feb and am doing the 5 day one so by end of next week I should be done.  The 5 day one seems to be becoming the norm so ask about it if you are not offered it.

xx

Thank you for your advice and recommendations GodWilling, I start my 5 days on March 4th, so you are ahead of me. Wishing you the very best, look forward to hearing how you get on! Xx

Good luck Bilko19. You have got this. You will smash it. Take care and let me know how you get on. As I’m having chemo I am a little behind you for the treatment so I would be interested in how it goes for you. I’m having 10 days of radiotherapy. Can’t wait for chemo to finish. Then onto next treatment 

Will try and remember to let you know how I get on.  Went for the scan today and to practice the breathing technique so I'm all set to start on Monday.  They gave me a tube of aloe vera to use so if they don't give you one then might be an idea to buy some.  Just plain aloe vera gel.  I actually bought an aloe vera plant so I could get it straight from the plant so it's completely natural.