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While some people do choose to decline radiation therapy, it's important to understand that radiation after lumpectomy helps prevent cancer from returning. The decision to have radiation therapy depends on several personal factors.
Some people opt for mastectomy instead of lumpectomy with radiation for peace of mind Show Full Answer
I absolutely did not want radiation so I chose mastectomy over lumpectomy. But I'm 64 and gay, so choosing to go flat was not hard decision for me. No more bras? Sign me up! But seriously, it seems the only way around radiation is mastectomy and that is not a guarantee because they might find discover something during surgery that requires it. ✌️
Hi Lisa, I did not want to do radiation, and since I chose the mastectomy with flat closure- there was no skin, or tissue saved for reconstruction- I was able to skip radiation. My tumor was on the left side, I have a heart murmur, and an extensive family history of heart disease. The targeted drugs for HER2+ carry a side effect of possible damage to the heart and lungs (enough so that they do cardiograms before you start the drug and every three months of the year you are on the drugs).
Wishing you all the best in making the decisions that are right for you. Gentle hugs!
I am having lumpectomy Nov. 6. Absolutely not going to do radiation. The risks involved are too serious for me to consider and differences in recurrence aren’t significant enough in my mind to go through the side effects. I think the doctors downplay the severity of what really happens.
@A MyBCTeam Member
Have you had radiation or did you have a mastectomy?
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