Is Radiation Needed?
 

I am currently taking TCH chemo for HER+. My tumor was 1 cm with no node involvement. I had a lumpectomy and the surgeon assured me that all the cancer was removed.
After reading a lot of articles apparently I didn't need to have chemo. Now I am wondering if I need radiation. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mary Jo

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

Hi Mary Jo,

I needed to have radiation due to size of tumour and micromets in sentinal lymph node. I am under the impression that if nodal involvement of lymphatic invasion present than radiation is required to 'mop' up!

I''m afraid I don't have the answer to your question so maybe get a second opinion ar ask your rad onc directly and for the reaasoning behind the decision. It could be a 'send in the big guns' approach which is what we did with mine hopefully! You need to be comfortable with your treatment plan s ask ask ask.....

Good luck

Jenny

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

Radiation is mandatory after lumpectomy. If you had had a masectomy with the small tumor and no nodes involved, you probably would not need radiation. However, lumpectomy with radiation equals the same non-recurrence rate as masectomy. You must have radiation.

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

Mary Jo, without all the details, we probably cannot give you definite answers.

But I think that we need to clarify that there is a major difference between mastectomy and lumpectomy, as far as radiation therapy. Radiation is STANDARD after lumpectomy, for any invasive breast cancer (and some DCIS). After lumpectomy, the radiation recommendation has nothing to do with tumor size, LVI, nodal involvement, etc. It is standard of care, because lumpectomy without radiation has an unacceptable rate of local recurrence.

As for not doing chemo, I don't know what you've read, but I've never heard a recommendation not to do chemo/Herceptin for a 1cm HER2+ tumor. The quandary right now is what is the smallest HER2+ tumor that should get chemo and/or Herceptin -- but they are talking under 5mm (.5cm) in that discussion, I believe.

I would recommend a second (or third) opinion from a comprehensive cancer center anyway, but even more strongly for you, when I hear you voicing doubts about your treatment recommendations. You want to be sure you have all the information that you desire on the table, that you fully understand that information, and that you trust your provider(s) -- before you make your decision. Good luck with that, and keep us posted about your thought process and your plans.

Debbie Laxague

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

Hi,

Thanks for all the input it was very informative. I have read different opinions on Rad., but listening to everyone makes me retink my decision.

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

What Becky mentions here is exactly the same my oncologist told me after my lumpectomy. Paty

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

I also was told a lumpectomy always was followed by rads to zap any remaining cells around the surgery site.

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

Hi,

Looks like Rad for me. The battle rages on. My Onc. said I have a 90& survival rate. Makes me very hopeful. Has anyones Onc. give any info on the cure?

Thanks,

Mary Jo

Re: Is Radiation Needed?
 

You are getting Herceptin, aren't you? That's really important even if for a short period only.