radiation

Has anyone or known anyone who DID NOT go to radiation after their lumpectomy? I already had my chemo. I was marked yesterday, and I don't know why, if my margins are clear, why should I go through with it.Even the radiologist says, it isn't going to prolong anything.  I think I am just gettting tired from the whole "cancer journey".
Thanks,
Sharon

[japdip]

Not completing your treatment is in my opinion a very foolish decision. The fact that your margins were clear doesn't really enter into whether you receive treatment or not. The main purpose of treatment is to destroy any cancer cells that may still be present after surgery. I'm not sure what you mean by "not going to prolong anything" .... you may well be tired of the "cancer journey" but how tired would you be if there were a recurrance. The worst part (Chemotherapy) is over so why not finish the recommended treatment. Radiation is even prescribed when the problem is only ADH which isn't even cancer and rarely does anyone refuse every possible advantage offered to reduce the risk of either development or recurrance of this dread disease.  It is in the end your decision and yours alone to make but I wouldn't be too hasty to decline.  Regards ....

[japdip]

Not completing your treatment is in my opinion a very foolish decision. The fact that your margins were clear doesn't really enter into whether you receive treatment or not. The main purpose of treatment is to destroy any cancer cells that may still be present after surgery. I'm not sure what you mean by "not going to prolong anything" .... you may well be tired of the "cancer journey" but how tired would you be if there were a recurrance. The worst part (Chemotherapy) is over so why not finish the recommended treatment. Radiation is even prescribed when the problem is only ADH which isn't even cancer and rarely does anyone refuse every possible advantage offered to reduce the risk of either development or recurrance of this dread disease.  It is in the end your decision and yours alone to make but I wouldn't be too hasty to decline.  Regards ....

[Cat321]

As friends had assured me, radiation was so much easier than chemo.I hated to start it,but I wanted to do everything I could to prevent a recurrence. My oncologist said I have done everything that I can and had the best treatment. I used cream three times a day and only had a little redness/sore under the breast. Go for it, and good luck!

[knoxer]

Why start the procedure and not finish? Go...help yourself!