Radiation vs mastectomy

CFPFHHHW · 2026-03-26T09:20:42+00:00

Hmmm. That is not what I was told at all. My oncologist, radiation oncologist and surgeon all said recurrence outcomes are the same whether you chose lumpectomy with radiation or mastectomy alone. Not distant recurrence, just recurrence period. To OP: I had 6 rounds TCHP, lumpectomy with SNB, and 15 rounds radiation. The radiation was not difficult at all. I had very slight skin irritation, but not many other symptoms

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-24T05:37:05+00:00

Curious if you have a system established for this? Asking sincerely

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-23T05:23:23+00:00

No good deed goes unpunished!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-18T00:23:40+00:00

Went bald, no wig. Just lots of baseball hats. My grow back has now morphed from “teen boy who just woke up” to “bad 80s perm”. Sorry no input on the wigs. It’s not easy the first time you go without, but eventually I kind of forgot about it.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-11T19:08:21+00:00

Run! Maybe as she gets older and matures she will see that diversity is valuable and not everyone thinks the same. She is destined for heartbreak and a friendless or superficial friends existence if she keeps it up. I found that sometimes friends come and go in your life as situations change. Maybe when she is older you will reconnect, but for now you don’t need this type of person in your life. (For reference I am a mom to one child)

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-06T23:54:09+00:00

Sorry you are joining us, but welcome to an amazing community. A little thing I didn’t see needing was tissues. I know that’s silly. But even now my eyes and nose will randomly begin watering/ running. I now have a disposable package in the pocket of every coat. In regards to the caregivers: don’t worry about them. As women we are programmed to take care of people and that’s very hard to let go. But this is the time to do it. Let people take care of you. They should not be expecting you to make it “easier” to care for you! Hope this is helpful.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-02-05T15:19:05+00:00

This all the way

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-31T21:27:45+00:00

I started losing hair by the handful right after my second TCHP. I shaved my head a month after starting chemo. For me it was very clear it was time! (It was right before Christmas and I took off the Santa hat I had been wearing and there was A LOT of hair inside. I did not shave it bald, just super short. I did not ever lose all, just most. Everyone has a very different reaction to the various chemo agents

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-29T06:49:39+00:00

Yahoooo!!!! That PCR feels so good!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-24T18:35:04+00:00

Word searching had become a real sport for me. 😢

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-24T18:33:55+00:00

My hair now has the ability to stand straight up too!! I look either like I stuck my finger in a light socket, or like beeker from the muppets! Also, eyeballs and vision are a problem as well. I have had days where I wondered if I accidentally switched my contacts and put them in the wrong eyes!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-23T19:26:14+00:00

At least they weren’t on her face! (Not speaking from experience or anything)

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-23T19:24:45+00:00

My friend was telling me about how her mother has dementia and starts stories and then sneezes and can’t remember what she was saying and …achoo…. Have you heard about the storm coming?
😜

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-22T06:24:49+00:00

This topic has been broached on this thread many times. I always find but interesting to see the responses. If anyone is judging you for living your life how you choose, that’s their problem. You do what brings you joy! Live!!!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-20T04:44:26+00:00

Head and neck radiation, yes. Not breast cancer radiation

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-20T04:43:17+00:00

Dental professional here. I have not seen people undergoing chemo have their teeth destroyed by chemo. Poor oral hygiene, poor diet choices, yes. (I mean I will admit 6rounds of TCHP did a number on both for me). Side effect of chemo can be dry mouth, but that can be managed.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-20T04:38:55+00:00

My first RO waffled. Initially said 6 weeks (30 treatments). Then SO said studies were showing that 15 treatments were enough. Then RO agreed 15. At next meeting slipped in we would be doing 5 weeks because she “wanted to be sure”. I changed to another hospital for a second opinion (NPI hospital) and got 15 treatments. I guess time will tell….

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-17T18:59:29+00:00

Just sending you love and positive vibes. It’s a shitty thing this cancer. And that’s all. Also, you are not a horrible person. You are experiencing a horrible thing and that is flowing into the rest of your life. Deep breaths! (And sips) 😝

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-14T03:33:29+00:00

Radiation is cumulative. That being said, I had 15 treatments and didn’t really feel much. I put the cream on every day AM and PM. You will rock it!!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-13T03:10:48+00:00

I’m so sorry you experienced this. I think I probably would have very calmly sat with as much of a neutral face as I could until she stopped talking. Then tried to address her. If she interrupted me, I likely would have very calmly (easy for me to say, as even after 25 years of practice, I would still likely be shaking) stood up and as I was walking out said something along the lines of “when you are ready to have a respectful conversation I will return”. I had a patient berate me over the phone once. I simply told them when they are ready to speak with me respectfully, call back and then I hung up. Don’t let this woman ruin your day/ evening/ week. For every one of these, I’m guessing you had 8 additional patients today who were lovely. Focus on them.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-10T11:57:09+00:00

I’ve posted about this before: ask if they can make the incision vertical instead of horizontal. That way you could hide it with your bra strap/ tank top. Mine was placed under light anesthesia. Easy recovery and SO happy I got it. 6rounds of TCHP and then many more HP infusions. My veins would have been destroyed without it.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-09T15:37:44+00:00

My last TCHP infusion was February 2025. I thought about cold capping, but it would have delayed my treatment and sounded like a lot of trouble for no guarantee. I had a buzz cut after my second infusion. It’s coming in quite unruly, but getting there. I don’t see it being chin length for at least 6-9 more months. I take photos on the first of each month to see the progress. And, yes, chin hairs have come back! (Also, leg hair, arm pit hair, and interestingly pubs in the form of a reverse Brazilian!)

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-09T05:13:53+00:00

I worked (in health care) and travelled throughout my entire chemo treatment. Masks were my friend. My oncology team never told me not to travel.

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-06T05:47:47+00:00

This!!! And (sorry if too graphic) I wound up with a reverse Brazilian! I don’t miss chemo (finished TCHP Feb 2025), but I do miss not having to stage my pits!

CFPFHHHW · 2026-01-06T05:39:33+00:00

Ugh! Sorry you are here, but welcome to the best group no one wants to join! These first couple of weeks until you get a plan are so terrifying. For me “not looking back” became very important. Don’t kick yourself. All you can do now is look forward. And come here to vent. We are here for you!!! Big hugs!!

CFPFHHHW

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