colloid cancer-radiation fear

[Claudettee]

I live with an illness of sarcoid, an illness in which my immune system is out of whack-- and now breast cancer, early stage but a 1 inch tumor and must decide on masc or Lumpectomy - because I am long term prednisone and bloodthinners the reconstruction is being discouraged - I am interested in hearing from anyone that had opted for lumpectomy and did not do the radiation--i was newly diagnosised mar 24..and I left to make some decisions now- any input is greatly appreciated- and anyone thats had a lumpectomy of a tumor this size...the appearance of the breast or how large the area of removal...i am sooo curious...thanks a bunch Ladies, I am so glad I found this site!

[japdip]

I do understand your reluctance about the Rads but there are various creams, etc. for the skin effects .... of course the fatigue is something that is an individual thing ... some have almost none. Yours may not be as bad as you fear.  Make a list of any and all concerns and take it with you when you meet with the Radiation Oncologist.  Oncologists are very good at taking every detail into consideration. All this is a real test of one's mental capacity, isn't it ?? Sometimes we tend to think too far ahead though so try to take it one step at a time.  Wishing you a neg. biopsy on Wednesday ... Take care

[Claudettee]

thank you for your comments---I do so appreciateall input- i am 47 and live with illeness that makes reconstuction very risky so i wont be cosdering that - I am scared of the radiation due to my illness and what I have read basically---the misformation and burn that may likley occur with me and my medical scenario i am told, the wery first or second session and i would have 5 sessions daily for 3-4 months...the enery depeltio  will be double what i suffer with my sarcoid illness--- I am alware the node will be tested at surgery time and i am onsidering asking my doctor, if i go in for lumpectomy- that if the node comes back positive to go a head with mascetomey-- I am going to meet with the radioogist oncology for further medical input however...I am very newly diagosised, mar 25- so i am very early in my research as my consult was jjust last week- I am blessed being told that it is s littl time to research---a smaller second lump is being biopsied on wedns and if it comes back negative the lumpectomy will be my first option, unless the breast surgeon reveals to me the first lump - 1 inch is to create a concave to the point that its so misformed--- i just have so much going thru my head to consider and to reconsider with my illness in mind its just mind boggin..thank you for listening

[japdip]

I'm not sure why you fear Radiation following lumpectomy; a person always has the right to accept or refuse any and all recommended treatment but I certainly would not adise it. You should be aware that some form of lymph node testing will be done along with whatever surgery is performed and if found positive then Chemo would be included in the treatment plan also. With lumpectomy clean margins must be obtained even if it requires a re-excision. With mastectomy there may also be some treatment based on the results of the Pathology examination of the tissue. You don't state your age and I realize that can make a difference when it comes to reconstruction but excellent  prostheses are available and very comfortable to wear; I never gave a thought to reconstruction and haven't regretted it for one minute.  As you say you have some decisions to make and it is entirely up to you. I think though even considering lumpectomy without Radiation would be very foolish indeed.  Regards ...