** JUNE JULY AUG 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

Hi I recently had two Dcis wide excisions, finally have clear margins and due to have tattoos in a few weeks for 5 days of rad, bit worried about the long term  effects as it’s my left side.  I should be thinking short term but I can’t help thinking of the effects on the heart etc and having a heart attack. My mind is all over the place, I have Asian skin and not sure how the burning effect will be, think it doesn’t make any difference. So many worries. 
I am grateful I haven’t had chemo and I feel I should be happy that it’s only rad.  Does anyone  else worry long term ?

Hi Glitterbe,

I want to say well done on getting through the treatment you've had so far, like yourself  I had two lumpectomies, second with clear margins. I am post radiotherapy of 5x 26gy sessions, 2 months ago. Your worries and concerns are valid, with regards being on your left side/heart etc, mine was too, please be assured you will be in safe hands, the radiologist/oncologist will look after you, you might of heard of the breathe and hold technique, this will protect your organs during the rads( dont panic about this they will run through things with you on that score), also once the measurements have been done during your tattoo session, they will take these measurements to establish to how far the beams/rads can go. All I can say is during this tattoo session make sure you are comfortable before the measurements are set, because  you will be in that exact same position during the radiotherapy.

You will be fine, promise, keep smiling and remember you are not alone, this forum has some very helpful ladies all going through or been through breast cancer xx

Thanks Daisyjane, it’s reassuring to know I am not alone and good to hear other people’s stories and experiences. Wish I was a lot fitter and but it’s good to know they work with what they have have a lovely weekend and best wishes for the future two months on from treatment and hopefully no more appointments for a while.

I had the same worries as you but they assured me that the heart will not be affected and they trained me how to hold my breath. It is a week since I finished and no side effects as of yet. I was told to expect the peak in 2 weeks from the last one but I doubt that it will just appear out of nowhere as nothing seems to be too worrisome, no blisters or redness. I started coughing a little bit after it but not as much as after the paclitaxel treatment. So, I would not worry too much. I refused it initially and asked for a second opinion due to those worries. But still had it as any side effects are outweight by the benefits. Good luck and no side effects I wish to you.

Thanks it’s good to hear from you as I too wondered if I should have it or not. Hope you stay well over the coming weeks. 

Yes, it was because I had complete pathological response before the lumpectomy. There were no cancer cells in the breast or in the lymph nodes so I could not fathom why would I need it. Plus, it was not even mentioned once for the entire 5 months before surgery, not even in passing. They said to me it was standard just before the operation. So, after I have got the brilliant response to neo-adjuvant chemo with no cancer left in the excised tissue, I was really confused when they came to me with the radiotherapy. But then I was having to make Sophie's choice with refusing it. so I asked for the second opinion. Made a bit of more sense so I chose the relief from the stress of cancer coming back soon or ever. 

Who gave the second opinion ? I will have it too but not sure why it’s needed. But like you say it’s better in the long run, even though I don’t know if it’s a guarantee forever.

I just told my mum I am all clear and she asked me why am I having rad. Lol 

Hi guys, I am technically also cancer free following lumpectomy with clear margins and node. I had oncotype test and don't need chemo due to small chance of recurrence yet I'm due to get radiotherapy in the next couple of weeks. I was told it is belts and braces. There are always microscopic cancer cells left in the area that could in time develop into a tumour again. Rad changes the structure of the cancer cells so they can't develop but leaves the healthy ones alone.. I want this to be a once in a lifetime event for me so I'll take the Rad and hope it does what it's meant to. 

If you have any questions at all it's worth asking and asking again till you have all the answers you need. There's loads of info on this site on it too.xx

Another doctor specialised in radiotherapy. I did not get my answers from the first one. The same, they cannot guarantee that it s forever but with what they said "sterilised the area by radiotherapy" the chances for the cancer to be there microscopically in the remaining tissue are drastically reduced. That was the only reason I decided for not against. I did not want to regret my decision in the future. You are entitled to a second opinion and if you feel like you need it, ask for it. it is good to hear different perspectives or maybe more explanation.

I will def have it as it’s the right thing to do but I think my heart keeps saying why me why me - I think that goes for everyone on this journey and as often said on here, a club we didn’t choose  to join.