I have just been diagnosed with an 8mm breast cancer borderline grade 1 - 2 found by routine mammography. I am having a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal. The tumour is receptive to eostrogen. How much would I need to have either radiation therapy or take arimidex as I am not keen on the side effects of either and feel that this would jeopardise my quality of life - I'd rather have 10 years of good life than 20 with side effects making me unable to function. I'm 56.
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Q: I have an 8mm early diagnosed breast cancer do I really need arimidex or radiation after lumpectomy?
Answers (2)
12/ 9/09 11:31am
Bobbie, you don't say if your cancer is DCIS (non-invasive) or IDC (invasive); that might make a difference in your thinking. The standard of care for either, when you have a lumpecotmy, is radiation, then hormone therapy (Arimidex, or equivalent). Not going that route will raise your risk of recurrence - how much, your oncologist could tell you. If the raised risk is acceptable to YOU, then stop treatment after the lumpectomy - it's your body, your life, and you absolutely have the right to do what you want.
I'd gently suggest, though, that you also take into consideration the fact you might not have difficult side effects from either radiation or an aromatase inhibitor. I sailed through radiation, personally; no side effects at all. Arimidex, minor joint pain, easily remedied with exercise or a walk first thing in the morning. So, perhaps you're visualizing the worst that can happen, and taking it as a given?
Just something to think about as you make your decision. Good luck - PJH
4/19/10 5:42am
P.S. my tumour was removed with clear margins and no lymph node involvement and was a stage 1 grade 2 invasive ductal but very small.
4/19/10 6:13am
Bobbie, you've made the decison that's right for YOU - bravo! It's sometimes difficult to not "cave in" when doctors are very adamant about you doing some particular treatment. But it's your body, and you can control what's done to it. Best of luck to you. Be well - PJH
8/ 6/10 1:09pm
I had 2.1 cm tumor. It was removed and cancer and tissue was removed and surgeon said he got it all. Then had PEP scan and that was clean, but they wanted to do surgery on my lymph nodes, which they did and that came back negative. Now they want me to have radiation and after the radiation take some pill for five years. Do I need to do any of this? And do you know what kind of pill?
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By Bobble— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 12/09/09
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Hi, thanks for your reply I know its been a long time since you replied but I finally made my decision about a month ago I've opted out of having any further treatment. I had many long discussions with my Oncologist even saw the Radiotherapist and was measured up for treatment. But, I was working on my allotment where I grow my own veg organically and knew that if I went ahead with the treatment either arimidex or radiation I would almost certainly not be able to continue with the things that make my life work living.It made up my mind, if it comes back I'll cross that bridge then. I have my life back.