[sarah]

Like AA I have also heard that a very short time frame works as well as getting Herceptin for a year (which was the norm). I think they mentioned a month.
You'll need periodic Mammograms, scans or something to monitor you and all will emit some radiation but not like radiation therapy.
It's rare that a cancer patient doesn't receive some radiation therapy.
Definitely talk to an oncologist, more than one if you're unsure of what they tell you. I disagree about pain being the only indication, cancer doesn't hurt unless it's well along and most people are diagnosed long before feeling any pain. For breast cancer it's generally because of a lump (painless) or through a mammogram.
The blood test is good as a baseline and to have taken periodically to check that it doesn't start to climb up but it's not thought of as a reliable enough tool on its own.
I urge you not to rely on alternative therapies alone. Use them in conjunction but follow what has been tested and works. Cancer is serious.
Good luck with your health.
health and happiness
hugs
sarah