Hi, I am new to the group. I am 71, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer to my left breast last November and had a lumpectomy and one of my lymph nodes removed. All went well and I have healed well. I had a genome profile done on my cancer which showed I had a ductal type cancer, invasive and non-invasive and the lump was 20mm across. It was a grade 2 and all of the lump and surrounding tissue was removed. No spread to the lymph nodes which was a relief. It was positive to ER+ AND PR+ and negative HER2. I scored 8 in the recurrence score (1-100) which is very good. I am now taking Anastrozole which I am OK with and have been advised to have 5 days of radiotherapy. This is my dilemma. As it is my left breast this sits close to my heart. Doing my research I know that there is a small chance of long term effects on my heart and possible lung issues. At the moment I am healthy, have a good heart and lungs and a low chance of the cancer returning especially do to the successful removal of the lump and the fact I am taking Anastrozole. (I was also on HRT for years but stopped when diagnosed with the cancer). Can anyone let me know their thoughts on my situation. I have a telephone appointment with my oncologist tomorrow morning as I have let them know that I am considering not having radiotherapy.
Hi
I was diagnosed at age 51 and had 15mm IDC (grade 2 ) and 54mm of DCIS (grade 3) over 3.5 years ago now. On Anastraozole too, (although the DCIS wasn't ER+, unlike the IDC). I had 3 weeks of radiotherapy - they seem to be using the 5 stronger sessions of radio now.
I was left breast and I had a bad road accident at 17, which meant I don't have a right elbow any more. They offer the breathe technique for left sided radiotherapy (whereby you hold your breath when the beams are on) because of my lack of elbow in my opposite arm, I wasn't able to be put in the position for the breathe technique, so I too was extremely worried about my heart. I was told "Don't worry, it just means we'll have to do more calculations". Sometimes, it took several attempts for them to get me in the correct position for the session to ensure that the beams were 100% on my 2 tattoo dots - but they didn't care and were brilliant. So, even without the breathe technique, I have been perfectly fine. What I did do when I knew the beam was on - you definitely know - was just hold my breath anyway, don't know if it made any difference, but I assumed that movement of any kind wouldn't be good, so ensured that by stopping breathing, I was doing a bit of the breathe technique, even if it wasn't their official breathe technique. (which I have no more idea than holding your breathe as they couldn't even consider it, so didn't discuss what it entailed with me).
With regards to lungs, I asked about this and was told even if there is a bit of damage, then they repair themselves. Again, I had no issues with my lungs.
I read all the side effects and was horrified, but I think even if you look at side effects of aspirin for instance, you wouldn't take them due to the side effects listed! But naturally side effects are hardly ever had by 99.99% of people.
Ask about the breathe technique and I'm sure you'll be reassured, given that I couldn't do it, but was perfectly fine. A little burn under my breast, but that was about it and that's the most common side effect that practically everyone gets.
I'd recommend it as it's the belt and braces just in case there is 1 spare cell in there that is floating about, ready to cause problems. Give yourself the best possible chance of it never coming back. One question to ask yourself is that if it did return down the line and you'd not had radio. How would you feel? I was so comfortable with the radio team that I felt extremely safe in their hands, but obviously the decision has to be yours - perhaps you could ask to have a chat with a radiographer prior to get that reassurance.
Best wishes, Lesley
