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confusion - been given the 'all clear' but also advised to have radiotherapy and hormone therapy

shieldslass64
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Hi all

I was given the 'all clear' yesterday following a lumpectomy on the 2nd of September to remove a 10mm cancerous lump.  Can't convey in words how very, very grateful I am to have this positive result - particularly as the initial diagnosis was very much by accident on the 12th of July!  At my appointment yesterday I was then told a course of radiotherapy and hormone therapy was advised.  I was given leaflets on both which of course detailed the many side effects - including increased risk of breast cancer, resulting in yet another sleepless night!

I really don't want anymore invasive treatments if I can possibly avoid them and wondered if anyone has similar concerns or knows of any alternatives?

  • Hello Sheildslass64

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had surgery for breast cancer but it's also really great to know that following your lumpectomy the specialists were able to give you the "all clear". 

    It's understandable that you may now be feeling confused about why they have also now recommended radiotherapy and hormone treatment. Both of these treatments are offered to many women after surgery with the aim being to lower the risk of the cancer coming back.

    It's good to know that you've been given information about both of these treatments but it's understandable that you may be concerned about some of the possible side effects. It's worth keeping in mind that many women have different experiences with both radiotherapy and hormone therapies with some experiencing no significant side effects whilst others feel that the impact on their daily quality of life is too great to continue.

    I'd really suggest getting in touch with your cancer nurse specialist to talk through your concerns. They will have access to your medical notes and have more information to be able to talk to you about the risks associated with deciding to not go ahead with treatment as well as the potential side effects of proceeding. 

    You might also want to talk with one of our nurses for some advice and support. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any information and reassurance they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Whatever decision you make Sheildslass64 I wish you well for the future and your continued recovery. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn

    Thank you for your reply and I will do so.  I’ve also now approached a local hospital to be part of their trial treatments.  My partner is awaiting Cryotherapy for prostate cancer too so just want to get us both fighting fit in the best way possible.

    Best regards 

    Janine

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    Hi Shieldslass,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I hope that you are recovering from your lumpectomy and understand your concern about having radiotherapy and hormone therapy. This is "the belt and braces approach to most cancers. 

    You do not say what age you are or, what stage of cancer you have. Some cancers are more aggressive than others and, with all operations, there can be the tiniest bit of cancer left in the breast, which could start to grow again. Hormone therapies are used to zap any tissue remaining and they do this by blocking Oestrogen, as cancer feeds on this.  Your care team would not suggest hormone therapy, unless they felt sure that this would benefit you. I have Arrhythmia and Diabetes, yet I still went ahead with this treatment

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year of one another. I took Tamoxifen for 1 year following a lumpectomy. When I had a double mastectomy, the following year, I took Letrozole for 6½ years. Having had 2 bouts so close together, I would definitely advise taking the hormone blockers. Mine was diagnosed to be stage 1, Pure Mucinous Cancer. This is supposed to be one of the less aggressive cancers, yet it still returned so quickly. I often ask myself how I would have felt if I hadn't followed the advice to take Hormone Therapy.

    Many of us think long and hard about embarking on this therapy. Most people cite the fear of side-effects as the reason. In truth, not everyone gets the side-effects and some just sail through treatment. I got a number of side-effects, but if I had to, I'd do it all over again, for the extra time it has afforded me (14 years). I  put my faith in my care team, who knew a lot more about the consequences of not taking hormone therapy than I did. 

    This is just my experience of hormone therapy. Hopefully, others will come along to tell you their tales. In the end, the decision is up to you, but don't hesitate to ask more questions if you need to. You should also find a chat with your dedicated specialist nurse helpful, in reaching the right decision for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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