Karyn,

My team of doctors seemed to believe in the "big hammer" approach. I was 39 when I was diagnosed 16 years ago (and a nonsmoker) -- Stage II with no lymph node involvement. While the surgeon was able to get clean margins, the pathology report indicated that the tumor was likely to be aggressive, so I had radiation as well and so far haven't had any reason to regret it. I did have many of the nasty side effects during treatment and for awhile thereafter, but the memory of them has long since faded into the background, and I'm very glad not to have had a recurrence in the meantime.

Cathy