When I was first diagnosed in February with stage 1, grade 2 breast cancer, my consultant told me that it was very slow growing and he would do a lumpectomy and I would have 15 rounds of radiotherapy. I had the operation on 22nd April and 5 weeks later I was put on Letrozole and waited for an appointment with an Oncologist. On Tuesday 21st June I spoke to my cancer nurse who informed me that I had one of the “good cancers” and that I didn't need to see an Oncologist and that I would be referred to an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and I would have 5 days of radiotherapy. The ACP called the following day with an appointment for the 24th June.
On arrival I was informed that my cancer was very tiny (1.8cm) and they proceeded to tell me about the short and long term effects that radiotherapy would have. They informed me that if I had radiotherapy local recurrence over 5 years would be 1% of 1,000. If I had no radiotherapy then it would be 5% of 1,000. They also said that Letrozole protects all my body being a hormone whereby radiotherapy would only protect the breast area. The recurrence of the cancer coming back was between 3-5 years and that there was no difference in whether I was treated with radiotherapy or not. They told me that people of a similar age to myself (I'm 68) and faced with the same situation, on average seems to be 50-50 to not have radiotherapy.
I found it strange that my consultant originally told me 15 rounds, cancer nurse telling me 5 rounds but speaking with the ACP they did say if I went ahead with it, it would be a higher dose over 5 days.
Overall I got the impression because the cancer was very tiny that radiotherapy wasn't really necessary but in the end it was my decision.
I have a telephone consultation on 27th June with ACP to let them know what my decision is.
Has anyone else suffered with swollen feet and ankles with Letrozole. I did speak to my doctor earlier in the week who seemed to think it was due to the hot weather...I'm not to sure.
Would appreciate any comments from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
Thank you
