Radiation Therapy to Treat Breast Cancer: Options, Duration, and Side Effects

[@MisplacedTexan]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2022. My tumor (which had been missed on two previous mammograms) was very large - >6.5cm. I had a double mastectomy in May followed by chemo. I will finish my first week of radiation tomorrow. I felt I’d been pretty well prepared by my doctors for everything but still went looking to learn more, and I found your video super informative! I’m 51 years old. Edit: Fellow cancer patients, please get the genetic testing! I did it and discovered I have a genetic abnormality called the checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) mutation. We secured life insurance for both of our adult children first and then had them both tested - They both carry the gene as well. 😞 But having this known and in their record means they’ll get early surveillance for the cancers caused by CHEK2: breast, colon, thyroid, uterine, and a few other lesser risks. If you have children: 1. DO get the genetic testing! 2. If you have a gene, get your kids life insurance FIRST… then get them tested! Thank you!

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your story. We agree that, if people have a family history suggestive of an inherited syndrome, testing for inherited mutations is the right thing to do.

[@MisplacedTexan]

@@yerbba - Yes, both my maternal grandmother and maternal aunt had breast cancer. Hopefully my children’s ability to receive enhanced surveillance will save them from having to walk the path I’m on. Thank you for your channel and the information it provides!

[@kathysteiner9468]

Sad

[@vzim44]

What genetic testing specifically? There are a few types. Thank you in advance!

[@beaglerundog]

I also had missed a mammogram even though I had a history of dense breasts and even atypia years ago. I just went through chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy and axillary dissection. I keep blaming myself. Did you deal with anything like self-blame?

[@maureenreed3348]

I had a tumour 2.5mm removed in December 2021, with good margins. I was given a great prognosis. However, I was persuaded by the oncologist to have radiotherapy ( I really didn’t want to have it, but was told l would regret it if l didn’t and my cancer reoccurred). I now have breast lymphoedema, which inhibits my life (I was very active, running and going to the gym). By the way I’m 68 years old. I have researched and there seems to be very little mentioned about breast lymphoedema following radiotherapy. I would welcome your comments or feedback. Your commentary is so useful and generally delivered. Thank you for your work.

[@yerbba]

This sounds really discouraging. Radiation therapy after surgery does increase the risk of lymphedema. Surgery without radiation therapy can also cause lymphedema. In other words, it's hard to know to what extent the radiation therapy contributed to the lymphedema. Your ambivalence about radiation therapy must make this situation especially frustrating. Early treatment for lymphedema can really help improve the symptoms and prognosis, so talk with your medical team about getting treatment if you haven't already.

[@Michelle-wk4ek]

I have invasive ductal carcinoma, I had the lumpectomy in June, 22 lymph node was clear, I had 5 treatments of partial breast all fine no side effects, I’m on hormone therapy as was estrogen positive, gets hot flushes now, I’m 64 and in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like radiation therapy went pretty well for you.

[@antoniocerutti265]

Can I ask you did you have it through NHS?

[@Michelle-wk4ek]

@@antoniocerutti265 yes

[@Michelle-wk4ek]

@@zoeymckeown3194 fine no side effects so far.

[@Michelle-wk4ek]

@@yerbba yes I’m absolutely fine and surprised that I have had not one issue of side effects.

[@Emmy-J]

I was just recently diagnosed with stage 1 estrogen dominant breast cancer, left side. I am scheduled for lumpectomy surgery next Tuesday. I do not want the radiation. I am 66 yrs of age and figure if I go on the estrogen blocker hopefully it will not come back in the time I have left on this planet. I have made changes to the food I eat and will work harder on other things like exercise to help prevent it from coming back. I plan to use some kind of holistic /natural remedies also. I have learned a lot searching out info on You Tube. Guess my decision will have to be made after the results of my surgery.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. It is important to let your surgeon know before surgery if you are not planning on having radiation therapy. Depending on the characteristics of the tumor, a mastectomy may serve you better. That is, if radiation therapy is not necessary after a mastectomy, this could be one way to avoid having radiation therapy.

[@dn-cp6sh]

Hi Emmy, did you end up doing the radiation? Thank you

[@AR-gh1pc]

I am also hoping to avoid radiation following a lumpectomy. I had a right mastectomy in early 2020 and have a new lobular cancer in my left breast… early stage, low grade, estrogen progesterone positive, 5mm. I will need to know oncotyping and confirm no lymph nodes but I am hesitant given my understanding is that it doesn’t necessarily make a difference as far as life expectancy, and it’s on my left side as well and potential side effects. I don’t want another mastectomy if I can avoid it. No one wants to die… so if I get clear info that it is necessary to mitigate risk, then I will do what I have to do, but I with ample margins, this small and early, I’d love to do lumpectomy and natural and nutritional changes to support my body.

[@katherineharris2080]

Harmone blockers suck Make you sick

[@alexandramuradas4619]

You are great Dr. Jennifer. Thank you for your support. Jehovah God keep blessing you with health and knowledge. Thank you for helping us xxx

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching

[@satishas3437]

After bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction of breast RCB is 1.315 what r risk factors

[@paigemckelvey8781]

I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist following chemo, immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and surgery for TNB on biopsy. I like to know what might be expected so I can prepare myself for decision making. This video is a great example of what might be next and why. Thank you

[@yerbba]

Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@shathaomar1516]

I had mastectomy and axillary clearance as well. The pathology results indicated a lymphovascular invasion despite the free margine Thus, oncologist put me on radiotherapy. Hope it will go smoothly. Thank you so much for great videos.

[@yerbba]

Undergoing radiotherapy after a mastectomy and finding lymphovascular invasion can be challenging, but it sounds like you're on a path towards thorough treatment. Thank you for sharing.

[@sofiaahmad1926]

Your video is so important to me, i diagnose breast cancer stage 3, That's why I subscribed

[@yerbba]

Thank you for your support, we wish you the best.

[@DawnRK3204]

I’m very worried about radiation therapy. 50 years old and very active. 1 cm estrogen positive tumor removed with 2 mm clear margin. Sentinel lymph node came back with no cancer. I simply do not want something like lymphedema. I have very fair skin which has had very little sun exposure, especially there.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your concerns. Your radiation oncologist can go over all of the risks with you. The vast majority of people get through radiation therapy without problems, but it's important that you voice your concerns with your team.

[@cherylschenck9943]

Did you have any lymph nodes removed?

[@dn-cp6sh]

Hi Dawn, did you end up having radiation? Please let us know. Thank you

[@carolsteele5811]

I'm 60 and just had a lumpectomy. I'm not happy about doing it as well. But I'm going to do it. I was told the chances of cancer returning are extremely low.

[@patrickfinn885]

Thank you for all of the great information 🙏

[@yerbba]

Glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@theagutierrez304]

This is very helpful. I had 24mm, grade 2 DCIS cancer cell removed last Dec 5. Er, pr, receptive and Her2 positive. more than 8 weeks from the surgery, i did not want chemo even if oncologists recommended so and oncotype dx is 22. im on hormone therapy now but was recently recommended to have radiotherapy after 4 more weeks- which is the 12th week from surgery. im still NOT convinced on doing radiotherapy- since its dcis and nothing in the lymph node yet but they also took out 2 lymph nodes already just to be sure. Help i dont know what to do 😢

[@yerbba]

In tumors that are HER2-positive, the OncotypeDX test (assay) is not done. In people with a low OncotypeDX score, chemotherapy is not helpful. A score of 22 is considered low, and chemotherapy is not offered. In people who have a breast conserving surgery such as a lumpectomy, radiation therapy is recommended to decrease the risk of the breast cancer coming back. The decision about radiation therapy is separate from the decision about chemotherapy. If you are still uncertain about which treatments to receive, it may be helpful to be completely honest with your medical team about your concerns. High quality information is so important when facing these decisions, and they may be able to provide additional information specific to your situation.

[@theagutierrez304]

Thaaank youuu❤❤❤❤

[@seektruth983]

Thank you. What about long term side effects (vs more superficial short term) 🙁

[@yerbba]

Great question. I'll start with long-term side effects in the area that received the radiation therapy. If someone had a lumpectomy or a mastectomy with reconstruction, the breast and reconstructed breast can become smaller. If the chest wall (without a breast) gets radiated, the skin can become tight and thinner. Some people get telangectasias, which look like little red spiders, in the area of the radiation. Other long term effects that are much less common with current radiation techniques, including thinning of the rib bones, damage to the heart and lungs, and rarely, another kind of cancer. As I mentioned, these are rare. In general, radiation therapy saves more people having recurrent breast cancer than it causes harm. It is helpful to know if your radiation oncologist uses a CT scan to plan the treatment. By using a CT scanned, the radiation can be directed towards the breast and regional lymph nodes (if they are to be treated) and can avoid radiation to these other tissues (bone, heart, lungs).

[@seektruth983]

@@yerbba thank u so much! 🙏🏽

[@GrahamCondliffe]

Dear Yerbba, can I just apologize for the small minority of people that are so disrespectful the fantastic and caring advice you offer in these videos and with your considered replies. I am absolutely dumbfounded how bloody rude some people are!!

[@Mercy3887]

Hi Dr. First, I went for 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Then, I had bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. The surgeon removed 4 lymph nodes. The pathology result came with negative for both the lymph nodes and breast tissue. Out of 4 removed lymph nodes, only one lymph node was involved, and now it's negative (highly responded to the chemotherapy). The radiologist recommended NOT going for radiation. I just turned 40. What is your advice, Dr.? Thank you!

[@zsg1016]

Thanks for the info. Do you know how many radiation treatments is required after mastectomy with staged II HER2 negative? How soon do radiation should be started after the surgery?

[@marilyntabirao3200]

0

[@harrycontos3847]

Should be none early stage and if you get a mastectomy you at your early stage 2 normally you don't get radiation. But they'll tell you very easily that has acted me doesn't really give you any better of a survival. If your early stage 2 her two negative HR positive vasectomy should be enough.

[@harrycontos3847]

I don't know what she's talking about but simulation isn't done at all only if you have the correct insurance. Let me tell you this radiation will continually destroy you it'll make you feel tired retarded cognitive issues lymphedema this is the stuff they tell you that none of their patients have came down with but they're all full of s***

[@yerbba]

Not everyone with Stage II breast cancer needs radiation therapy after a mastectomy, but if they do get radiation, it's generally 6 and a half weeks. In general, radiation therapy can be started within a few weeks as long as the surgery site is healing.

[@estellebloh2996]

Good morning Dr I did my treatment 2 years ago but now am having chast pain and itching sansetion please help

[@yerbba]

Oh, we're sorry to hear that you're having symptoms. We would suggest that you talk with your medical team, either your surgeon or your radiation oncologist, about your symptoms.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thank you for another informative and thoughtful video. I have the dilemma of my surgeon advising me I don’t need radiation therapy (HER2+ve, ER/PR-ve Grade 111 26 mm tumour). I’ve had 6 rounds Chemo and mastectomy (wide margin, sentinel node biopsy -ve) and 3 weekly Herceptin. However the oncologist says I need to have 30 rounds of radiation therapy over 6 weeks. I don’t want to go through this if I don’t need to. I’m 71 years old. How do you suggest I manage this.

[@yerbba]

It's so hard to get conflicting advice. Here at Yerbba, we would recommend that your medical oncology refer you to a radiation oncologist to learn as much about the role of radiation therapy in your case.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

@@yerbba Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I very much appreciate your considered advice, which I will follow as I do struggle to understand what exactly will be radiated if all cancer cells have currently been killed/removed by chemo and surgery and I’m having Herceptin for another 14 cycles.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thankfully this is now resolved as the sentinel node biopsy was negative and I had a complete response to chemotherapy (ie no evidence of cancer in my breast removed / mastectomy). All members of the multi disciplinary team agree radiation therapy is not needed. Such a relief!

[@gabrielavinteler7088]

Thanks for the informative video, I am about to finish radiation, 15 sessions, had SMX with lymph nodes involvement, 6 after SMX, 7 out of 12 after ALND, I am concerned about the possibility of getting lymphedema, is pain in the arm on the affected side a sign? I also have some cording.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. Pain and cording do not necessary indicate lymphedema. Let your medical team know if you notice tightness when you make a fist on that side or notice if your rings are tight, if your arm feels heavy, or if you have continued concerns.

[@maggieg5719]

Gabriela, I just finished up radiation. I had 2 lymph nodes removed from my left armpit. From my shoulders down half way to my elbows, I get soreness. Sometimes it’s both arms and hands. The soreness is worse when it’s both arms and hands. Not sure if this is from the lymph node removal, radiation, or the Letrozole (anti-estrogen prescription). Fortunately, I have no swelling, and my left breast held up very well! I’m to the point now where I can start light exercising, so I hope the exercise helps my arms and hands (and everything else!). My physical therapist (who specializes with women who have had breast cancer) said that you are now susceptible to lymphedema at any time. She had a client come in who, ten years after her breast surgery, presented with lymphedema after a fall where she caught herself with that hand and arm. What is SMX and ALND? Thank you!

[@gabrielavinteler7088]

@@maggieg5719 I am on letrozole as well, I had to take a break due to side effects, after I restarted, side effects are more manageable, I do have soreness on my left arm, I did PT which helped, I am planning to continue in the new year, only my surgery side seems to be sore, my right arm is fine, I get joint pain which I am assuming is from letrozole, once I start moving it gets better, I am planning to exercise more which I am sure will help. Good luck to you and a Happy and healthy New Year!

[@Alis55555]

They agree on treatment and that's it

[@yerbba]

It sounds incredibly frustrating to feel like your voice isn't being heard or valued in your treatment decisions. Your perspective and preferences should always be taken into consideration when discussing your healthcare options. It's important to advocate for yourself and communicate openly with your healthcare team about your concerns and preferences. You deserve to feel empowered and involved in decisions about your own health.

[@marcialane8235]

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis and portal hypertension ( due to hemochromatosis and fatty liver) a week before breast cancer diagnosis on 12/21, I will be seen for first time on 2/13…..is there any contraindications for breast cancer treatment with cirrhosis?

[@yerbba]

In people with elevated liver tests, the doses of many chemotherapy drugs are modified accordingly. In someone with advanced liver disease with a limited life expectancy, treatment may be less intensive since breast cancer treatment is given to improve the long term prognosis. Without knowing your life expectancy or how severe your liver disease is, these are just general thoughts.

[@mistyhollander-rk6cq]

I just had a left axilla dissection and bilateral mastectomy I am going for radiation in two weeks I’ve had 16 rounds of radiation AC and taxol but was told that the pathology report says I’m still node positive I don’t understand so where is the cancer now

[@yerbba]

Such a good question. After lymph nodes are removed, a pathology report is created. There will not be another report created unless a brand new cancer occurs and is removed. We hope this is helpful.

[@anneobrien4327]

Having an arm up like you said it could be for two hours is quite dangerous for blood supply. Can also cause muscle cramp and seizure, it can cause problems with the AC joint , not to mention the massive damage it can do to your rotator cuff if you have a problem in that area. Every medical person you meet say move , don’t sit too long, move when you are on a flight, and yet you expect patients to stay absolutely still on their back with their arms above their heads for 2 hours. You should get on the table yourself for two hours without moving any part of your body.... you won’t be so blaze about it

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@hikermom01]

How are you avoiding the heart and lungs and even thyroid? Especially with possibly 2 hours of radiation therapy?

[@lesapaddack4975]

@@hikermom01 My mapping was very short time probably 30 mins. My radiation is going to my left side so I am holding my breath during radiation.

[@hikermom01]

Be sure to have cardiologist checking your heart for tissue damage, that can lead to congestive heart failure. Wishing you all the best.

[@penniewyatt9391]

During simulation it was so long I couldn’t even lower my arms by myself, I’ve had a shoulder replacement. It was a lot, now it’s over two weeks and I still don’t have my schedule. I am dealing with a husband with dementia and his appointments, so it’s frustrating and scary.

[@MySpices]

I remove my left brest ..out of 26 lynode only 2 was effected ..my chemotherapy was finish and now targeted therapy left only because of its HER2-positive.. do you think I have to take radiation therapy as well..if yes how many I should to take? thank you

[@yerbba]

In younger people with positive lymph nodes, radiation therapy is often part of the treatment plan. A radiation oncologist will be able to tell you the extent of benefit of your getting radiation therapy along with your other treatment. Thank you for sharing your experience. You have been through a lot.

[@thuyly9652]

Thank you so much ❤

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@do9138]

Other than the lumpectomy I had last Friday, radiation is the only treatment I'm sure I will get. I might TRY chemo if I can do it orally. I have no one to drive me other than Uber, so obviously infusions are out of the question. Hormone therapy is out of the question because of the side effects. I have to work. Therefore I have to not be in constant pain, and I can't accept cognitive impairment. What good would it do to avoid cancer if it means I'll be homeless? I love that she says we should see the radiation oncologist before surgery -- as if we have a choice. Insurance corporations decide what kind of care we can seek. As for my "team," I live in Vegas. "Healthcare" is 100% corporatized. I can't even get my "team" to return calls because profits are tied to quantity, not quality.

[@yerbba]

Sounds like you have a lot of challenges in your life and that cancer is just one of those. Many people do not benefit from chemotherapy, so perhaps cross that bridge when you come to it. In terms of hormonal therapy, most people actually do okay on it, but you won't know til you try it. I have often recommended that people "date" endocrine therapy and not "marry" it.

[@do9138]

@@yerbba I was extremely lucky. I only needed 20 radiation treatments. I've completed 18 and have almost no side effects. My oncotype score was 13, so I don't need chemo. I have to move in September with little or no help, so I don't have to start aromatase inhibitors until October. I will try them, but if side effects interfere with my work, I won't take them.

[@personalbest6980]

I had lumpectomy 18 months ago. They found 3 mm tumor with EPC, DCIS, and conventional IDC. Widely clear margins on IDC. One close margin on EPC/DCIS complex. Excellent prognosis. Stage 1a. Chose no hormonal therapy or radiation. Recurrence 18 mos later in lymph node. 1.5 cm Papillary Carcinoma determined to be related to earlier EPC . It was entirely contained in a sentinel node. Total 4 sentinel nodes removed. Other 3 nodes were clear, no cancer. Unusual behavior of Papillary Carcinoma. Still good prognosis. Stage 1b. I am 75. Committed to whole food, plant-based diet and exercise. Can I skip radiation?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your story. Without being involved in your care, it is difficult to render an opinion about your specific situation. Wishing you the best.

[@m.e.5171]

WHAT VIDEO IS THE ONE THAT SPEAKS OF STAGE 0???? PLEASE.. is there a way I could speak to you???

[@yerbba]

Hi, thanks so much for reaching out! We have a video on DCIS (Stage 0) that you might find helpful. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5SYlo13p9OpY7M. Also, we’re working on an updated version soon, so make sure to subscribe to stay tuned!

[@m.e.5171]

@@yerbba thank you so much

[@viktoriamelbourne594]

I had TT due to cancer and received radio iodine treatment. Last week was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive carcinoma. What sort of treatment might be required and can I have radiation treatment? I’m so anxious 🇦🇺🙏🏻

[@yerbba]

Of course you must be anxious. A previous treatment with radioactive iodine does not mean someone cannot have radiation therapy for breast cancer. For Stage II breast cancer, surgery will be part of the treatment plan. Chemotherapy may be as well. Radiation therapy is given to people who have a lumpectomy and to people with positive lymph nodes. I'm hoping the plan gets clearer for you soon.

[@shathaomar1516]

I have a question: when only two lymph nodes showed to be affected by cancer, why doctors preferred to take all the lymph nodes and not the affected ones?

[@yerbba]

Two positive lymph nodes are associated with a higher risk of additional lymph nodes being involved, so "axillary clearance" may be offered.

[@GagikMkrtichyan]

Hi thank you for your informative content! It has been 7 weeks and a couple days after my Lumpectomy surgery and I am starting radiation now. They removed 3 lymph nodes and 1 was positive. Is this too long to have waited for radiation? They were doing other tests (MRI CT mapping for radiation etc) to prep for the radiation. Should I do anything in addition or bring up a concern to my doctor. Just want to do everything possible for cancer to not return.

[@yerbba]

Of course you want to do everything. This timeframe is not abnormal, and you will most certainly benefit from radiation therapy. Thank you for watching.

[@ifyoucanthandletruthdontpost]

I jad lobular tumour 73 mm with lymph mode metastasis. I had radiotherapy and had full breast radiation and lymph node radiation. I also have letrozole and had full 1/2 breast and nipple removed. I also have bisphosphonates. I didn't have chemotherapy as oncotype was less 21.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Yerbba community.

[@annaortiz2252]

Hi Dr Griggs! Do you have a video on fat necrosis as a possible side effect of radiation?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. Fat necrosis in breasts after treatment is most commonly caused by breast surgery (such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, or reconstruction), radiation therapy, trauma from procedures like biopsies, or injury to the breast tissue. It occurs when fatty breast tissue is damaged, leading to the death of fat cells. This can result in the formation of firm, painless lumps as the body repairs the damaged area.

[@annaortiz2252]

@ thank you! I have really benefited from your videos as I went through my cancer journey. Keep up the great work!

[@alanna5009]

How often do you see the later blood vessel effects happen?

[@yerbba]

We see angiomata in people with fairer skin. Probably in about 20% (1 in 5).

[@sandywhite8041]

I have lumpectomy this month coming and they said I need radiation after lumpectomy

[@yerbba]

Sending good wishes your way.

[@cy5038]

I had double mastectomy last month because of my left breast was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. After the surgery, I was found no genetic problems( no family history ) lymph nodes are negative, but I had 1mm -2mm surgical margins, so I will have 30days of radiation treatment with even my armpit area. Do I really need it or how can I reach for the second opinion?

[@yerbba]

It never hurts to get a second opinion. Radiation therapy decisions are based on a host of factors in addition to margins, including tumor size and lymph node status, age, and even hormone receptors.

[@SofiaAhmad-rp8sm]

Since i was in radiation therapy for 2 weeks,my arm cant raise up at all,what is the problem?

[@yerbba]

There are several things that can cause problems with range of motion in the shoulder and arm. We recommend contacting your medical team.

[@fatimabillones7216]

December 5 I'm start radiation therapy 36days

[@fatimabillones7216]

I have 16cycle chemotherapy... I'm 39yrold

[@yerbba]

We will be thinking about you and sending good healing vibes your way.

[@hasibahmed4050]

My mother had lumpectomy. Final histopathology is invasive ductal carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma, pT1(1.5cm*1.5cm)NxMx,ER,PR- positive and Her-2 Negative. Hormonal therapy is continued which is exemestane. Should we go for Radiation therapy or not? Please let me know.

[@maggieg5719]

Hasib, I’m not a doctor, but I went on my breast cancer journey in 2022. Every woman’s breast cancer is different. Your mother needs to find out if her oncologists recommend her have radiation. I had a breast specialist/surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. They were my team. Between them, they decided my course of treatment after reviewing all my scans, pathology reports, etc. So please help your mother be proactive in knowing as much about everything that pertains to her health and wellness during her breast cancer journey. I hope this helps. Bless you for looking after your mother.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. Without being part of your mother's medical team, we can't give specific advice. In general, however, radiation therapy would be offered after lumpectomy unless the tumor is very small and margins are wide and grade is 1, and the patient is over 70. Hope this is helpful.

[@harvestnoelcrawford7026]

I start 33 treatments next week

[@yerbba]

I hope you're doing well! Thanks for watching.

[@okukuliliann6765]

God will see u thru JESUS CHRIST is in control

[@susiepingleton3614]

I had 27 burns. Three years later, I have heart and lung problems. I had double mastectomies with 19 involved lymph nodes. My radiologist failed to tell me ( I am an RN) what it would do to my lungs and heart. He said I would be a bit uncomfortable. My plastic surgeon looked at my breast and called him. I went over and the radiologist stopped daily treatments for ten days. Bleeding cracks were treated. We finished 27 and he stopped before 30. Healing took over a month. I thought because I was a nurse he would truly warn me about my lungs. The fatigue.

[@buddyt4447]

​@@okukuliliann6765 Jesus controlled this?

[@fay9498]

Three weeks ago l had a lumpectomy of my left breast the diagnostic was only DCIS clear margins high grade 1.2 cm ER/PR positive and I am 65 years old could I skip radiation?

[@yerbba]

Thank you so much for writing. In general, people who have high-grade DCIS are advised to have radiation therapy. Of course, there are always exceptions. Please note that because Yerbba does not give medical advice, we are not providing a medical opinion.

[@briggettecammett6181]

See various studies done whereby sometimes older woman do not need radiation but do need the hormonal therapy.

[@harrycontos3847]

Radiation has bad side effects that can be permanent. Also, you can get the lasting side effects 1 to 20nyrs later. I wish I never even had the mammogram . Let alone what comes after. 🙏

[@leezjohan9296]

Better to know now then ignore what could be worse later. Be blessed and prayers.

[@drawcap2289]

My mom was going through lumpectomy two months ago her tumour was 1.5*1.5 mixed ductal and mucus carcinoma,mirgin was clear, ER+,PR+,her2 negetive ki67:30%... Her underarm cyst was tested FNac there no malignant tissue and it was her left breast.she is taking harmone therapy.. Is it possible to avoid radiotherapy?? We are really worried about it as it is her left breast. Is radiotherapy affect her lungs and heart?? Please suggest me

[@yerbba]

Great questions. Current radiation therapy techniques are much different from those from 20 years ago. The heart and lungs are avoided by use of CT planning and what are called "blocks" on the radiation field.

[@DarlingAngel666]

Thank you

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and your comment.

[@Alis55555]

1 in 4 Breast Cancer is misdiagnosed yet asking for 2nd opinion you are made to feel like a criminal

[@yerbba]

It's really disheartening to hear that you're made to feel that way when seeking a second opinion. Your health and peace of mind should always come first, and it's completely understandable to want confirmation and clarity, especially when dealing with something as serious as breast cancer.

[@hazelcroft4556]

This might be just barbaric treatment that devastates the body made to look gentle and lovely like the lady. I had chemo - I only lasted five weeks. It was horrendous.

[@yerbba]

I agree that we should be doing better in treating all kinds of cancer. Chemotherapy is highly effective in killing cancer cells, but of course there is collateral damage. It's important to remember that most people get some but not all of the side effects. And most people find that the side effects go away after treatment. There are some long-term side effects that can last for years, however. This is why we try to find out as much as we can about the cancer to really be sure that there is a benefit to treatment.

[@jasmynmadison5984]

What is your treatment plan in lieu of chemo? What factors caused you to quit?

[@kathygann1180]

The title says “duration”, but you didn’t cover how long the treatment is. Nor did you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of one week radiation versus 4 weeks.

[@g.alistar7798]

Wouldn’t that be unique to each woman…based on many variables?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for catching that!

[@Ranchladytmd]

It's barbaric that doctors support these rad tattoos. We are not cattle you are hurrying through to make it easier for doctors ior therapist. It's just for the ease of the clinic and tags women for life. It's shameful.

[@lorihuff7511]

I refused take tattoos on me.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching. More and more radiation oncologists are skipping the tattoos. Years ago, quality of life and things like appearance and patient preferences were not considered. Fortunately, the field has changed and patients' preferences are honored.

[@elwood10198]

@@yerbba What are they doing as an alternative?

[@elwood10198]

@@lorihuff7511 What did they use as an alternative?

[@bavariangal]

When I went in for my simulation, CAT scan planning appointment, the radiation tech told me she was going to give me 3 tattoo dots…I asked, “with a needle?” She said yes…I told her no. She then said she’d just use a sticker to mark the spots! Now why wouldn’t she initially offer the non permanent option?? Patients need to be knowledgeable, practical and vocal… Medical personnel should offer kinder, simpler options too.

[@jennyanndejesus4338]

Can i skip radiation therapy? T1N0M0

[@lorihuff7511]

I did skipped radiation therapy in 3 years ago. Natalie Jones, Surgeon, changed story. At phone, she said good news that I don’t have cancer. At office, she send me into radiation. I like what? I asked she said good news. She said but I have cancer. Different story. She tried kill me. I never back to mammogram. I have Trauma. I have natural vitamin- estrogen.

[@yerbba]

Skipping radiation therapy is an option for some people with small primary tumors that are hormone receptor-positive and have wide negative margins. The decision to skip radiation therapy should be made with your doctor.

[@catherineadofina3471]

Dr please me my left breast ha've recurence what can I do I don't what to surgery

[@Alis55555]

@@lorihuff7511 yes that's happening 💌