I declined radiation fear of the side effects with lungs and heart and lymphedema. I had 11 lymph nodes removed and left breast removed. I put my faith that the surgery was success and cut all cancer out. I am now taking tamoxifen and having fun and games with the side effects but life is good.

I just finished radiation. Wasn’t bad at all. There is a slight risk of blood cancers with it but I only know one person that happened too and she was extremely unhealthy to begin with. I’ve met a lot of people that have gone through chemo and radiation since I’m very open about my cancer and I haven’t met anyone else that had a problem after radiation

Hi, Carol, and WELCOME. I have ILC Stage III with lymph node involvement and had a lumpectomy March 29. The "Court is still out" on the treatment I will receive. For the type I have, a full mastectomy, chemo, radiation and hormone treatment would be recommended; however, due to previous medical conditions it seems that my young body of 77 is standing in the way.

The only thing recommended for me now might be Exemestane, Letrozole or Anastrazole. Each one of these could interfere with breathing problems (I have Stage IV COPD) and two of them "could" cause a stroke and I had a massive hemorrhagic stroke and brain surgery in Jan. '18 so I am high risk for another one. I have asked my doctor for a "one month leave" to think about it and decide. The reason for this long post is to make sure that your doctors are aware of every medical condition that you have before a decision is made. Remember, it's your body and it's your decision and I feel confident that you will make the right one. Good luck to you! (Hugs)

I had radiation after lumpectomy and 2 x re-excisions. I wanted to feel that I had done everything I could to prevent a recurrence. Also, when the surgeon finally got clear margins, it was only a millimetre and that made me nervous. My Oncotype score was low, so I did not have chemo - the oncologist said the risks would far outweigh any minimal benefits.
I am very fair skinned and was worried about burning and blistering (especially in an area that had never seen the sun!), but it was not as bad as I expected. My skin was dark red and I had some minor blistering under the breast (in the ‘crease’), but no open sores.
In the end, it is your decision to make after weighing pros and cons of treatment. It is never easy, but don’t second guess once you have made an informed decision.

I have 2 more treatments and done! Did I love it, nah. Was it horrible, no. I had to do only 16 treatments. Whatever your hesitations are, speak with your doctor. There may even be other options for you.
If you decide to do it, yes, read what your doctor gives and then ask for suggestions here. I actually received great advice here my doctor failed to give me.