Radiation

Hi Lindy

Best to ring wherever you are to go to have your Radiotherapy planning and ask to speak to the Radiation Therapists actually performing your CT Simulation Planning Scan. They may still ask you to come in for your appt so they can see under the scanner whether they anticipate it being an issue through treatment or not.

Hi Linda, after my mastectomy I had a seroma on my chest scar that needed syringing twice a week for 6wks.I also had trouble getting my arm up after a full node clearance(which I'd had 7 yrs earlier) My physio rubbed my scar tissue with an ultrasound and that helped.I think I had radiation about 8wks after my lumpectomy and node clearance. I hate to say it,but my skin has been stuck to my chest wall ever since my mastectomy 5yrs ago. It feels like I have duck tape strapped across it.My surgeon says it's adhesions and can't do much about it.Its weird but the tight sensation improves when I'm wearing my prosthesis - something to do with pressure on the area. Talk to your team as you may need to delay radiation until your issues improve. It's a tough time but you'll improve and get through it all- best wishes,Tonya xx

Hi Lindy, 

That cording and scar tissue is so frustrating as we all just want to get better. I had chemo after my mastectomy, then radiation, so can't advise how long between treatment starting. We all have different treatment plans. 

Heres hoping that your seroma, cording and mobility improve. Wishing you the very best for your rads treatment. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????

Hi Linda,

Happy New Year. 

I don't really have answers for you, but my understanding is that they would prefer seroma's not to be drained during RT, as it may change angles of the area being treated. I'm halfway through RT, had an ultrasound due to a collection just before Christmas, and my radiation oncologist wasn't keen for it to be drained for that reason. However, when th ultrasound was done, the radiologist felt that it looked infective, & wanted it drained. My next 4 sessions all took about an hour, to get my positioning correct. Believe when when I say you don't want to do that.

Have a good talk to the radiotherapy people on Monday, & be guided by them. 

Take care, Lyn

Hi linda

happy new year. I haven't had your issues but I would suggest that you give the radiotherapy people a call and discuss with the nurse there. They may be able to give you more info as I am sure you won't be the only one who has trouble raising their arms. If nothing else, this may ease you mind. Good luck with it. Karen xox

Hi Linda,

I hope you had a nice Christmas and you are getting ready to bring in a new year. 

I am sure the members of the Online Network will be able to provide you with some advice over the next few days.

In the meantime you may find some advice from these links -

https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/posts?from=&topics=&query=radiation

https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/posts?from=&topics=&query=cording

Ann-Marie x