Do I need radiation

In June of 2001 I had a my left breast removed and lymph nodes.  The pathology report indicated that the nodes were all negative. I am finishing my chemo(CMF) in Feb.  I was told that I would not need radiation because the breast was entirely removed and there are no proven benefits to radiation after this procedure.  My oncologist doesn't want to make a decision and wants me to see a radilogist.  I am at the end with all of this and would like to get on a trip this summer.  Are there any benefits to radiation after a mastectomy?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Bari, There is evidence that women with a high risk of local or regional recurrence after mastectomy will benefit from postoperative radiation therapy.  This high risk group includes women with four or more positive lymph nodes or an advanced primary tumor.  The role of post-mastectomy radiotherapy for women with one to three positive lymph nodes remains uncertain and continues to examined in randomized clinical trial.  There may be something regarding your primary tumor that may put you into the high risk group, as you state that the lymph nodes were negative.  It is reasonable to discuss this with the radiation oncologist. They will discuss with you the particulars of your case, and review the risks and benefits of radiation therapy.  If radiation therapy is recommended it should be done within the first 6 months following mastectomy.