Forum Discussion

Clover's avatar
Clover
Member
13 years ago

Radiation

Radiation - sharing my experience as I couldn't find posts or info that helped me Firstly,I was told by all, including health professionals that this was the easier side of the treatment that I may get irritated skin toward end of time and fatigue into the treatment. MY Experience --- From the beginning when I got home I experienced sharp electric type pains through my breast which made me jump in shock and pain. Especially as I wasn't expecting any after symptoms. I found if I took Panadol each evening after returning home from treatment this held them at bay. Secondly my skin got so red and nipple sore and cracked and an itch that was at times unbearable and never let up from 3.5 weeks into treatment. Could put little on it and it drove me mad day and night. The itch was severe and prickled also. I was given Panadol forte by another week after wanting to tear at my skin! So bad. Now that has definitely helped the unrelenting itch and prickly itch so it comes in waves then subsides somewhat. But at least some let up. The breast is definitely very sore inside also and feels bruised and the nipple now is soooo sore to even brush across ever so lightly. I only put this on because I don't want other women to think as I did - that something must be wrong with my breast still and worried me when the extra concern and bewilderment is the last thing needed after all the rest of the new trials we have been facing. Most women I spoke to waiting for treatment had no symptoms like mine except for the itching but I don't believe I can be alone and other women will appreciate reading this and feel comforted knowing everything is still normal and some women obviously do experience more severe reactions through radiation I was one of them and would have liked to know it does happen to some even if it's to just A Few I also felt each evening sometimes worse than other evenings after treatment that I felt as though I'd been sitting in the sun a bit long through the day -as though I had had a bit too much sun - only way I can explain the slight feeling of heat if that helps anyone I am at the very end 4 days now having the boost and my breast looks very red and burned but I can put some healing cream on the areas that aren't near the small boost site and am looking forward to the last day indeed!!
radiotherapy

10 Replies

  • Clover's avatar
    Clover
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thankyou and I had a little read of your story and wish you lots and lots of warm wishes - nothing prepares you for the shock of getting the news that cancer was found but you are wonderful.
  • Clover's avatar
    Clover
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks JuliaI wondered about this and the Dr will probably tell me this when I finish up... I will just have to try to resist the urge tostand for long in the shower and let  water on the area for another while - after all I'll be the one to pay for it if I do!I have read some posts by other women suffering the type of pains I have had from day one - long after radiaition finished so at least if you know - if this happens - the fear or worry of the unknown is taken out of the equation and you can just get in and take care of yourself and nurse the problem and help yourself with a positive attitude rateher than uncertainty and unknown worry.Thanks for the warning it will definitely help. Take care !
  • Clover's avatar
    Clover
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Mich,  thank you for your positive feedback and encouragement and I do hope you get much better very very soon !warm warm wishes too
  • Clover's avatar
    Clover
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi, thanks for replying and for the good wishes.  I hope your radiaition is easier and all goes well - the 6 weeks seem to drag a bit but before you know it you are nearing the end!  I think when things go so different than you hear as the case is for others - you can also feel that it is your fault somehow and maybe it is your attitude or something and your self confidence takes a bit of a hit again.  So I hope the post does help others so they don't feel down about themselves if things go a bit harder for them.We are all different and yet the same!  all the very best! and smooth travelling.
  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Clover,I did not have any of the problems that you had, but one thing that I didn't know was that my skin continued to become more red for at least 2 weeks after treatment finished.  So look out for this.Hope you are feeling better soon,Julia
  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Clover,I did not have any of the problems that you had, but one thing that I didn't know was that my skin continued to become more red for at least 2 weeks after treatment finished.  So look out for this.Hope you are feeling better soon,Julia
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hey Clover

    I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through such a bad experience with your rads.  Like you say for most people it is a walk in the park after their chemo.  I know it was for me but I have two good friends who suffered badly with their radiotherapy.  They are more than fine now and have been given a clean bill of health like myself.

    I think it is great that you have put your experience and your feelings out there because knowledge is a huge defence weapon to use if needed and that is what you have given the girls.  I believe it is much better to be prepared for the worst and if it doesn't happen then it is all a bonus so well done.

    I hope your last few treatments go smoothly and that they have informed you to continue to care for your skin as the rads go on working for a good few weeks after treatment is finished.  I am sure you are aware of that though.  Also take care with your immune system as that is still very low and will continue to be for quite a while.  I know mine was because I was unlucky enough to get bronchial/pneumonia right at the end of my rads which set me back even further.

    I am now nearly firing on all six cylinders so I am sure you will be there soon as well.

    Sending you healing hugs, lots of love, Mich xoxo

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am yet to have my radiation, so thank-you I appreciate the information.

    I found that I had a side effect on my chemo that I wasn't prepared for and it was quiet frightening to me, so just knowing that others experience these things is helpful.

    I am pleased for you that you are almost at the end and hope that things settle down quickly.

    cheers

    Donna

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am yet to have my radiation, so thank-you I appreciate the information.

    I found that I had a side effect on my chemo that I wasn't prepared for and it was quiet frightening to me, so just knowing that others experience these things is helpful.

    I am pleased for you that you are almost at the end and hope that things settle down quickly.

    cheers

    Donna

  • Clover's avatar
    Clover
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thanks for the feedback - I just found quite upsetting everyone I spoke to and all info printed and given me Never made mention of any of these symptons except for some bad skin irritation toward the end. It is concerning that due to this you feel something is quite wrong and that is why I put the post on so other women don't feel alone or worried if they have any bad reactions like I have certainly had. Wishing you all the best