Forum Discussion
Starting radiation
Hello all, I will be starting radiation tomorrow. I had a complete pathological response after 6 months of chemo and a double mastectomy with complete axillary node removal and DIEP recon. But since I am young and had TNBC I was advised to have radiation to mop up strays as they say.
I am terrified of radiation and always have been even more than chemo.
So I would like to hear from anyone who has been through radiation. How was the experience for you? Especially if you had it to your sub-clavicular nodes (neck). Do you still have scars? skin changes? tightness?lymphoedema? Any tips or tricks?
I will be having a total of 15 sessions (40Gy). Any advice or stories welcome :) Thanks.
11 Replies
I had 15 rounds of radiation, June 2024 the worst if it was going to the hospital everday, very tiring. I had a few intchy spots but nothing major. Just use the StrataXRT cream exactly how you are told to and you will get through it okay. Only thing I notice now is the hair under my arm on that side doesnt grow very much anymore
Hi M0nP I hope it's going well. I just wanted to chime in and say I also had radiation for 15 treatments and I got through it with pretty minimal side effects. A bit of fatigue for a few weeks and skin itching and discomfort. I found the Strata worked really well for me. I'm now a few months down the track and my skin feels like it's back to normal.
Thank you, yes the radiation went well! Better than I expected. Still have 2 weeks of applying moisturiser and Strata to avoid side effects but like you I hope my skin stays good 😊
Hi M0nP - we hope you are managing well with the radiation.
We just wanted to remind you that we offer a free post-surgery recovery bra if this would help with your comfort. You can read more via the link My Care Kit
Please feel free to reach out to BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258.
Thanks, my radiation went well and I’ve had minimal side effects. Just a bit of light tanning! My BCN did give me a free post surgery bra after the surgery 😊🙏
Good luck with the Radiation. I start my 15 sessions next week and like you are feeling nervous, especially about lung damage. They recommended Moo Goo cream but I am wondering if I should be trying to source the Strata XRT gel online as I suspect the mastectomy scars will be more sensitive to radiation damage than normal skin? I am not sure whether to purchase it or not. If I did use it, I wonder if I would use both creams. I just think the quicker I start the radiation the quicker it ends my treatment phase and I can get back to life/work.
Hi4950 I bought the moo goo and have been applying it 3-4 times a day, I’m only a day in though. I decided yesterday to buy the Strata gel online, just googled and bought the cheapest I could find. Hopefully it arrives soon. I plan on using it at least on my neck twice a day, morning and night 🤞
Wishing you well with your radiation treatment, M0nP xx.
Yep - 'Mopping up the Strays' was the reason I went ahead with my Rads Treatment as I'd been given the option of NOT having it ... but it made sense to do it 'just in case'.
I think I would have been really angry with myself if there was a recurrence & I hadn't had the Rads. I am 8 years out now, & going well.
My surgery was under the nipple & altho I've never considered myself 'large breasted' was surprised when they said I would be lying on my tummy for my Radiation, with my breast hanging thru a hole in the table - and the machine would go UNDER the table, instead of over the top!
Make sure you apply the suggested lotions & potions as advised .... and ask about Mepitel film or Strata XRT gel to reduce the chance of burning the skin - one or the other may suit your surgery sites.
Take care & all the best xx
Great that you've got the Strata Gel - some members swear by it.
Make haste slowly - be kind to yourself & just listen to your body xx
If you need to rest, just do it
Take care & all the best for your remaining treatments xx
