I had a mastectomy after a DCIS diagnosis. Do I need radiation for a better cure. My lymph nodes

Antou, if you think the radiation would make you feel better, and the doctor says it's an option, then you should consider it. Be aware, though, that it does come with some pretty significant possible side effects, including burns and tremendous fatigue. With DCIS and clean nodes, plus a mastectomy, I'd think your chance of recurrence would be close to 0%. So going without radiation would be something you should consider seriously, too. Good luck - PJH

Personally I say never rule out a recurrence, cause quite honestly it can happen!  3 years after my original diagnosis I found out I had cancer again - and this was after a mastectomy and chemo.  I wish I had been offered radiation then as it would have likely avoided this.  Radiaition is a localized treatment to prevent recurrence.  Chemo is a systematic treatment to kill of rouge cancer cells.

When I wnet through radiation this summer I thought I would despise it.  I did get a little fatigued.  I did get slightly burned.  I swear it caused a huge increase in the number of gray hairs I now have.  But it has made me more confident that I will not be going back down this road in another 3 years.

You have to do what is right for you and only you can decide.  Inform yourself and make an educated decision.

Good luck!

Angi

I was diagnosed with DCIS, stage 0, I had a lumpectomy with clear margins.  Now I am going through radiation therapy and when I'm done with that, I will be taking tamoxophen for five years. My question is, am I doing the right thing? Or should I just have a double mastectomy?