breast cancer

i had a lumonpectomy on june 30,2009. now im getting radiation every day for six weeks. i started july 30,2009. 28 lymphnodes were removed from my right axilla, both the lymphnodes and the breast tissue that were removed came back negetive for cancer.  why do i still need radiation. im scared of the long term effects and of damaged tissue. can i stop radiation would it be okay, and would i have the same percentage of healing.

Thanks

beauty129

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear beauty129:  It is routine to recommend radiation therapy to the breast after lumpectomy.  Radiation is not always necessary after mastectomy.  It is unknown whether there will be any benefit to partial radiation therapy.  You should discuss your concerns with the radiation therapist, including your concerns so that based on your radiation therapy, the doctor can explain the likely and unlikely effects of radiation therapy (both short term and long term).

[granny1611]

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