My cancer was diagnosed in March. IDC, stage 1, 0/2 nodes, 1 cm, ER+/PR +, HER-. Surgeon thought I was perfect candidate for lumpectomy w/ radiation due to size of tumor. We also discussed the possibility of hormone therapy. Chemo was probably not needed. Very little was discussed about side-effects and length of radiation therapy. Met with oncologist after lumpectomy. He suggested that inaddition to radiation therapy and hormone therapy that I consider chemo due to my age (48) and family history (mother died of breast cancer at age 54). I agreed and am currently finishing 4 cycles of Cytoxin and Taxatere. My next step is radiation therapy and I'm having second thoughts. My cancer was in the left breast so I'm concerned about possible heart problems as a result of radiation treatments. Also, I have smoked on and off for over 20 years and am concerned about developing lung cancer as a result of the treatments. Now I'm thinking that I should reconsider my surgical choice and have a masectomy instead of radiation therapy. Would this make sense in my case?
Edited to add that my margins were clear.





