Radiotherapy for breast cancer

[Raquel22]

Hello members, I was diagnosed with cll 7 years ago, bloods are stable and no treatment needed so far.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2024 and had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph nodes removed. Thankfully the margins were clear around the removed tumour and no cancer detected in the lymph nodes. My cancer was oestrogen and progesterone positive so had to stop my hrt straight away and now on medication for 5 years.

I start my radiotherapy next month and my question is, will the radiotherapy affect my cll? I have asked my clinical nurse specialist but she said that there has been no research on this, and that she has not come across this scenario. I’m a little concerned. Many thanks in advance to my question.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Unfortunately, your clinical nurse specialist can't be familiar with the NCCN CLL Guidelines, because that document recommends radiotherapy to shrink enlarged nodes and the spleen. If any of your CLL swollen nodes are exposed, they should shrink considerably

Neil

[Raquel22 in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for your reply AussieNeil, as far as I’m aware I don’t have any swollen lymph node’s of which I’m grateful for. You have eased my mind, many thanks 🙏

[Greenbunnies]

I had the same situation as you and my specialist CLL consultant said there was absolutely no reason why I shouldn't have radiotherapy, which put my mind at rest.

Good luck with it - I found it very straightforward but tiring!

[Raquel22 in reply to Greenbunnies]

Awww thank you for your reply Greenbunnies, you have helped put my mind at rest. Yes I’ve been told it could make me feel even more tired (if that’s possible!) The surgery and medication is proving to be very tiring in itself, all normal I know.

I hope that all is well with you now 🥰