I'm 63 and I've recently had breast tissue conserving surgery and thought I'd be happy to have radiation therapy when I agreed to that rather than opt for the mastectomy. Several weeks down the road, I'm wondering if I made such a wise choice? The side effects of radiation, especially the tiredness and soreness during, and the chance of breaking ribs and radiation-induced cancers later, scare me. (as does getting a recurrence if I don't have it, of course!) The Margin and Lymph nodes were clear and my tumour was 1.6 cm, Grade (1-)2 and 95% estrogen positive. I've started taking Tamoxifin, and now I'm wondering why I need the radiation and the anti-hormone treatment. IE. if tamoxifin stops cancers growing why wouldn't it work on the site of the original tumour? I asked the radiation oncologist and she said that it would, but they haven't got enough data on recurrence risk in my age group, so keep recommending both treatments. She also indicated that I would 'probably be alright without it, but best treatment would be to have it). Is there anyone who has decided against radiology in these circumstances who could share their experience with me please? Jan ... View more