I had chemo to shrink my large tumor, then surgery and last radiation. I have been cancer free for 20 years!

I did not want to do radiation either. My situation was different, I had adjuvant chemo and never thought I would have to even discuss rads. I had 5 tumors (2.5cm, 2cm, 1.5cm .6mm and .5mm) but 3 tumor boards unanimously recommended radiation and it reduced the risk of local recurrence from 30 percent to 5 percent (my cancer was crazy aggressive-all 5 tumors showed up bewteen yearly mris). I made the decision by the numbers and the fact that I would be so unforgiving of myself if I did not do it and had a recurrence. Plus I had very little faith in any surveillance techniques since my tumors were missed and I ended up with stage 2 cancer despite 11 years of prophylactic, high risk care. I ended up having IMRT radiation, which left me with very little tissue change per my plastic surgeon who has done my reconstruction and revisions since and I never burned. So I would ask about all plan options if you do it. It is a hard decision. Good luck!

I think if the lymph nodes are cancerous, then you definitely need radiation. I had a BMX with clear nodes and didn’t need radiation. Ask your surgeon to explain further why he/she is recommending it post surgery. You could always get a second opinion from another institution to help you decide post surgery. I’ve found second opinions to of great benefit. I think they will know more afterwards and have the final pathology and nodes.

Please also do a lot of research on reconstruction, especially breast implants. There is a lot of new information coming out on breast implant illness and BIA-ALCL in the past year. Surgeons do not tell you all the potential risks. Deip flap is a better option. I choose to go flat and had a quick recovery.

I have been mulling the same. My situation is very similar. Large tumor, one node; finished chemo Jan 3. BMX Jan 31. My pathology came back showing that the tumor was completey gone (THANK GOD). My husband is a doc, I am an RN and we have been researching and have asked the same questions. I’ve spoken to my rad onc a few times and she says that is there were a study, I would be a perfect candidate. But... the best the research can say at this time is that radiation reduces risk of local recurrence by 1/2-2/3. For me it came down to asking the question “if I did not do the radiation and I had a recurrence how would I feel?” So, I’m going to do everything I can to prevent going through this nonsense again. Chemo sucks cancer sucks and I want it to be in the past forever. Good luck with your decision.

I didn't have chemo, but I did have a mastectomy and radiation after. I also really was not comfortable with the recommendation for it, and when I went in for the consultation I was physically sick to my stomach. I consulted with 2 different radiation oncologists and told them both I didn't want to do it, but wanted to get all of the information. The first one wasn't very helpful, but the second one was patient and answered all my questions, supported that it was my choice, and told me to let him know what I decided. After a lot of consideration, talking to my family and to a naturapath I decided that as much as I didn't want to do it, it was the best decision for my long term prognosis. I'm two months post radiation and I'm glad now that I did.