Thursday, September 11, 2008

To Radiate or not, that is the question

Sep 11, 2008

Well today I went to see a radiation doc who advised me that because I had the one positive node I will need radiation. I even explained that I will be having a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and he still feels like radiation is warranted. He said it will give me an additional 10% chance of it not returning. All of this is so confusing!! The side effects of radiation from what I hear can cause cancer!!! My second opinion doc says that if they dont find more than 3 positive nodes at the time of surgery, radiation may not be necessary. I dont want over kill on my body but I want to reduce my risks of cancer coming back as much as I can!! UUGGHHH Im so confused!!
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About Me

I am a runner, fitness instructor, and flight attendant. On 4/4/08 I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. I had a 2.9 cm tumor with one node involved. At the young age of 40, I faced the fact that I had breast cancer. After the 1st 4 rounds were over and I went in for more pictures of the tumor I was devastated to find that it had not shrunk AT ALL! Three weeks later I started taxotere and herceptin. After completion of chemo the tumor has shrunk to be half it's original size and the cells are inactive. Now I await surgery to have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. My surgery is scheduled for the first part of Oct and I will keep you posted. Cancer has shown me whats important in life. The love from my husband, family, friends, and even total strangers has amazed me! I really am blessed.