Hello Daisyhill and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear that you are having breast cancer treatment.

I am afraid that we are not able to tell you what treatment you should have. I hope your cancer team can help guide you with your decision.  

Radiotherapy is given in a much more targeted way these days to help minimise damage to surrounding non-cancerous areas.  Before the treatment starts it is planned.  This is to ensure it is given where it's needed, and your skin will be marked so that you line up with the machine each time you have it to ensure it's treating the right place.  It will be given in small doses over a week or two.  It might help to look at our information about breast cancer radiotherapy planning. It may also help to read about having it and the possible side effects. that could happen.

Surgery to remove your lymph nodes will mean having an invasive procedure, but once it is done you will not need to go back to have more surgery.  Some side effects are similar to those associated with radiotherapy, such as the risk of lymphoedema. 

You may wish to talk this through with your breast care nurse.  You could also find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline 

Thank you 

Thank you