Yes radiation might damage your heart as for your lungs I was never told about that risk. You can also do deep breathing exercises and hold your breath for 20 seconds. That supposedly moves everything away form the radiated area. I of course was doing that in preparation for my radiation treatments and the doctor called and said their computer system was not set up to do that. Not only that I was going every three months for an ultrasound of my heart anyway because of the effects of the herceptin which also can lead to heart problems. This just seems to be the beast of breast cancer or any type of cancer trade one thing off for another. You and only you can decide what is the best choice for treatment. None of us are guaranteed that we are not going to have residual effects from our cancer treatments or any other stuff in life.

Each one of us has to make their own decisions on what types of treatments their going to have and not. There is no judging any one here on this site. What is good for one might not be right for another. Yes you do have the right to refuse their suggestions on treatments etc. The doctor(s) might not like it but your the one that is having this stuff done to you not them.

I was diagnosed with breast and lung cancer but they were not the same type. Both were stage one. I had five radiation treatments on the left lung first. Then had lumpectomy followed by 15 radiation treatments on the right breast. I finished all in November and now take tamoxifen for 5 years. So far I haven’t had any bad side effects. I do have some pain off and own in left rib cage due to it being close to the tumor. That’s why they did it for 5 days instead of 3. I feel blessed that I’m doing well. I feel you have to put your trust in God and he will lead you to the best plan for you. I chose radiation over surgery knowing that lung surgery was a hard recovery

Hi Donna. It's scary to read the radiation consent (and I'm an RN for almost 40 yrs.). I have a fibrosed left upper lung lobe and my cardiac ejection fraction went from 63% pre chemo and radiation down to 50%. I was told I have calcified valves contributing to this from treatment. This does not mean the same will happen to you. Talk to your onc. and radiation oncologist. Ask a million questions. Make the decision that is right for you. Sending gentle hugs, prayers and good Juju. Best of luck to you.

I would definitely ask your doctor to go over the risks so you have full information to make your decision. I’m just finishing radiation - they have you hold your breath during parts of the treatment to protect the heart and lungs. I felt safe doing radiation after talking over the risks and benefits with my doctor.