Breast cancer and radiotherapy

[Bettyboo23]

Hi Ladies. I had a lumpectomy for ER+PR+ HER2 negative breast cancer in May this year, and i was told i would need 10 rounds of Radiotherapy and 5yrs of Anastrozole . I had a telephone appt with a oncologist who talked about the radiotherapy. He mentioned the side effects of burning etc but then said because of the location of my surgery on the left side, there was a possibility of it burning a hole in my left lung causing breathlessness and a cough, but then then he said but its ok, because we have medication to help with that. He also mentioned they now do a breath holding tecchnique so it doesnt touch the heart.
To be honest im thinking of not having the radiotherapy now because im scared of all of these effects, I asked him the percentages of the cancer coming back without radiotherapy and just to have the hormone blockers instead, it was 10% in the next 10-15yrs in the same breast. Im 67 now and very active, can run up the stairs etc and now Im worried sick of potentailly having a hole in my lung and not being able to breathe . Has anyone here refused radiotherapy. I really dont know what to do. Sorry for long post

Hi, I am 43 and I had 15 rounds of radiotherapy for BC. I was really worried as well as I am very active and I felt horrible making the choice. But I don’t think those things happen that often, whilst they give you all the facts and it can happen, my nurse gave me the confidence that the benefits outweighed the risks.

I had it 18 months ago now and i haven’t had any side effects like the ones I worried about.

Hope that helps you, I know it’s a worrying time ❤️

Sorry you’ve been dealing with BC.

I had 5 rounds of radiotherapy after a lumpectomy on the left last year, and had to do the breath holding technique to protect my heart and lungs. The machine automatically stopped delivering radiotherapy if I breathed out too soon, which provided some reassurance.

I had breathlessness as part of my post-treatment fatigue which I was advised is normal. It resolved after I built up my activity levels over a few weeks and I have no ongoing issues. 10 rounds may mean a slightly longer recovery, but the nurses can guide you on what to expect.

Good luck with whatever you decide

It sounds like your oncologist was running through the rare effects they need to mention for consent, with a reassurance that even if this rare thing happens don't worry there's a treatment.

Understandably as it so stressful, all you have heard is "hole in the lung'

You need another conversation to go over it again before making a decision.

Thank you all, yes it has been overwelming , like i,m sure it has been for you all. I have a face to face appt now on Monday so will have a good talk with him then. Thank you

Hi
I had 20 rounds of radiotherapy in Feb/March this year. It was actually all very uneventful, they obviously have to tell you worst case scenario but the likelihood of these happening is low. Hope your consultation went ok.

Thank you ladies.
I had my consultation with my oncologist yesterday. Ive decided to go ahead with the radiotherapy, he made me realise that there would be a chance my cancer would return in the same breast if i didnt have it and more likely than not it would be mastastic the second time round. He said you could take the risk of getting a cough for a few months or getting terminal cancer. So although his words were harsh it made me realise i needed to put my big girl pants on and go for it. They have also changed my tablets to Exestamane. The Anastrozole were giving me awful side effects.