[@Orangy]‍ Hi, I noticed your post just now. I have a different type of breast cancer IDC so not ‘in situ’ like yours. I’m posting elsewhere on here with other ladies that have the same type as me. Your post caught my eye. My cancer was caught very early and radiotherapy was never mentioned at the outset, however after surgery and eventual path lab size given, it had grown to the size of needing radiotherapy at the end of all other treatment. Mine is also left side, so I started to ‘dig’ as we do. You are obviously talking future heart related issues. I stumbled across an article with two photos, what was shown was breathing techniques that can be taught to you to hold your breath for a time during radiotherapy to completely lift the heart away from the radiotherapy site by breath holding, it was there in black and white, the heart corner being in the path of the radio and in the second photo not in the path. It was really illuminating to me, I would discuss this with your radiologist if hou decide to go ahead with it.  I absolutely did not want it, as my treatment path already could have heart ramifications if I am unlucky, but having seen this article I will embrace radiotherapy. It is my best possible chance of avoiding a relapse, my cancer is HER2 positive, very aggressive. I hate to focus on the commenton your post  “should the cancer return”, as it’s a negative thing, but radiotherapy is felt by me to be something else in our ‘armoury’ that would help to prevent a recurrence, therefore I cannot conceive of not having it. I really hope you get more comments from others, but I hope my spin on this helps in some way? Take care lovely, and I hope you reach a decision that is right for you. All the very best, Lyn. X

[@yorkiegal]‍ 

Thanks for the speedy reply Lyn, I'm grateful.  The more opinions the better!  The breathing method was discussed, and photos shown though it always makes me think of the horror story of the same name! 

Really just wanted to wish you well with your situation which is so different to mine and makes me feel even luckier.  In your shoes I'd definitely take the radiotherapy too.

Very good luck Lyn X

Hi 

I had BC lubler invassive osterzen positive and it was grade 2 

It was 8mm had surgery in November 2020

It was on left breast too !!

I was worried about heart and then they mentioned breath holding  techniques!!

But when actually I went for first radiotherapy session the radiographer said I don't need to hold breath as its position not near the heart!! 

I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy 

Radio therapy gives you more protection if I was you I will go for it !

Jeet123

Hi Orangy,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry that you find yourself in this unenviable position.  Eleven years ago I was diagnosed with Pure Mucinous Breast Cancer, which was grade 1 and responded to hormone therapy. This is one of the less aggressive forms of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy which was followed by Tamoxifen. My surgeon recommended radiotherapy, but before I could start this, I discovered a larger lump in my other breast. My surgeon told me that this was of no concern, although he never carried out any scans or biopsy. 

I was not reassured by this and refused to have radiotherapy until, my other breast was tested. My argument was that there was no point in treating one breast whilst ignoring the other. We had a Mexican stand off for several months, before he referred me to see the surgeon in charge of all the surgeons in the area. He did the required tests and fortunately, this turned out to be benign. I sought advice from some eminent researchers and was advised that there was no point in having radiotherapy at this stage.

Almost a year to the day of my surgery, I discovered another lump in my original breast. This time I wasn't so lucky and  I decided to have a double mastectomy. I do wonder if I had received radiotherapy when I should have had, if this would have prevented any regrowth. I guess that I'll never know, but thought that you might find this helpful in making your decision, especially when yours was high grade, even if small.

Whatever you decide, it has to be your decision and, I hope that you manage to reach the right one for you.

Do please keep in touch and let us know what you decide. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx