Not only did I develope asthma after my radiation, I had to have surgery on my heart to remove the sack that surrounds the heart ( the pericardium ) Radiation melted it to my heart and it couldn't pump properly so now I have congestive heart failure brought on by radiation to the chest. I had 36 rads in 1990 on the left, then 36 rads in 1993 on the right. If I had it to do over I personally would not have radiation at all. But that doesn't happen to everybody and you ladies have to do what you feel comfortable with. Just ask lots of questions and be well informed before you make a decision. God bless you and I pray you do well with very little side effects.

I am having chemo now and am struggling with the same issue. It would be my left side and I worry about my heart and my lungs as I was a smoker for many years.

I had lumpectomy in March and exploring radiation options now. BC was on left side, so I am concerned about my heart and lungs. Proton radiation (as opposed to traditional x-ray radiation) is supposed to be much safer because it can be programmed/charged to stop at a certain point. Many insurance policies cover it (it is getting much more common with prostate cancer and pediatric brain tumors). There are only 14 centers in US - but you may be close to one to check it out. Best of luck to you - and may you experience blessings of hope and love and joy and grace every day.

@A MyBCTeam Member..let me know if & what you decide please. And an update on reserch would be great..good luck with decision. I know only too well how very hard it is.

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A MyBCTea...

I did not. It would have been my left side and knowing me something would have appended.