Radiation. When is it indicated

[Christine Mary]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I am 44, had a LMx Sept 9th, and started FEC-D protocol Oct 11. next chemo Nov 1st. My tumor info. 2.1 cm , grade III , 1/18 lymph nodes affected. stage IIb. ER/PR neg, HER2 +++ I am waiting for appointment with radiation oncologist to see if radiation is indicated. While waiting I was wondering everyone elses experiences.

[Jackie07]

Hi Christine,

With mastectomy, I doubt that you will need radiation. My experience is that radation does not have much effect on the Her2 breast cancer. I had the standard radation treatment after my lumpectomy in 2003. The left-over tumor continued to grow, but was 'read' to be scar tissue. When we finally went to the original surgeon and had everything figured out, it was more than 2 cm and with 2 lymph nodes involved.

I'm glad you are taking an active role in the early stage of your treatment. This is a very close-knit family. I'm sure others will chime in on the subject.

[Becky]

My diagnosis is very similar to yours - 1.9 cm tumor with one affected node. I had lumpectomy so I had to have radiation. I did AC followed by taxol. I had Herceptin after chemo and radiation were completed. I am 6+years out and still doing great.

I was told (at that time) that if I had masectomy, I would not need radiation but I had a lumpectomy and with a lumpy, you have to have radiation regardless of chemo or Herceptin.

[candlegranny]

i just finished radiation. it decreased the percentage of reoccurance i was told. I had modified radical masectomy on my left side. i had 6 weeks of radiation after chemo- still healing from burns.
my oncologist told me straight away that i would have dose dense chemo and radiation. the chemo got the 2 nodes in my neck that was inoperable and the radiation was like insurance i was told. i had 31 nodes removed and 18 were positive not counting hte 2 they couldnt get. he really radiated my scar in the last week. said when they removed cancer, if any of it touched my skin at opening, cancer cells could be sewn up in my scar..... that is what i was told anyway.

[Christine Mary]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I thought radiation was indicated after mastectomy only if more than 3 nodes were affected , or if tumor size was larger. I didn't have either so I am a bit confused as to why I am being referred to radiation oncologist. I would like to make my plan for time off and when I will be finished all my treatments so I hope to see the rad onc soon.

[PinkGirl]

Hi
That's the way it usually goes in Canada. I had a 'team' of doctors. I saw a surgeon even though I'd already had the surgury done locally ... I saw a radiation oncologist even though I was told I wouldn't need radiation ... the appts. were very brief. I was told that with a mastectomy you need radiation if you have a lot of node involvement or if the tumour was close to the chest wall.

[Mel3]

Hello, My experience is very similar to Candlegranny. I had a modified radical masectomy, right now I'm receiving Taxol and Herceptin, 2 more treatments to go, next one in 3 days. After my fourth treatment of Taxol I will receive 6 weeks of radiation.

[KitCat]

Hi,

I had mastectomy and radiation because even though I had only one node it was large. I was told radiation is a secure kick at it and I will do anything to bring down chance of reccurrance. Yes it is usually offered to those who have 3 or more lymph nodes but I had one and am still doing radiation. I am happy about this decision as it is just another assurance to localized reccurance as well. Keep all your doors open . I say " Kick it " with all you can!

[tricia keegan]

I read some literature recently showing a benefit to having rads even after a mast, I don't have the link to hand but will post when I find it.

If I had a mast I think I'd want rads too, just belt and braces!!

[imatthew]

hi, my wife had a unilateral skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction, she was positive in 1 of 4 nodes and had good margins so they told her no need for rads.