Hello - how are you doing?  I hope the radiotheraphy is going ok for you.

I'm now almost 3 weeks post mastectomy.  I have my follow up this Thursday.  I am reading up on whether I need radiotheraphy as my cancer was really early stage.  I read that a study says that if the margins are clear and it hasn't spread to the lymph nodes then you don't need any further treatment - but you were obviously advised otherwise.  Do you know why?  Just want to go with as many facts to my appointment this week.

Take care

x

Hello - got my appointment this Thursday to discuss results - dreading it really as I want them to say no further treatment but I know it could be different!  I am reading on this thread that someone with clear margins and no spread to lymph nodes is still having radiotherapy - but that is the same as you and you didn't need it!  I really don't know why the advice is different and want to go on Thursday with as many facts as possible.

Hope you are ok.  I am still a bit sore but ok.  Will let you know how it goes.

xx

Hello lovely!  I’m doing fine, but my radiotherapy hasn’t started yet.  It starts on 20th August and I have the “planning meeting” this Thursday when they measure me up, etc.  

I only had a wide local excision (lumpectomy) and I’m now on tamoxifen.  As far as I know the reason I’m having radiotherapy is just because it’s a final making sure that it’s all gone, although as far as I’m concerned I’m cancer-free now it’s been cut out, but, as you know, there are lots of different types of breast cancer - mine was invasive lobular cancer - what was yours? So different types require different approaches I’m guessing.

What you have read is interesting - I would much rather NOT have radiotherapy (or be on tamoxifen) but we can only be guided by our consultants and know that they want the best for us.  

Please post on here how you get on on Thursday? Xx

Good morning everyone, 

I was told that if lymph nodes are clear and a mastectomy is carried out no radiotherapy is required due to all the breast tissue being removed, where as with a lumpectomy there is still breast tissue present even though non cancerous tissue is also removed with the tumour. 

This is also depended on the type of cancer I believe.

Hope you are all recovering well x

The subject struck a chord with me so I just wanted to say Hi. I hope you are all recovering ok. It sounds like you are all coping amazingly which is very inspiring.

Devonlady I was a week behind you with my surgery (although WLE as opposed to mastectomy) and likely at the same hospital. I’ve sent you a friend request if you fancy linking up. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow.

xxx

That makes sense.  X

Hello - I'm cancer free!  I am so relieved as no further treatment needed just tamoxifen for 5 years.  I can't quite believe the last few months - so much emotion and difficult times.  My support from this group has been invaluable - you ladies are the best!!

Hope that everyone is recovering well.

xxx

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