Forum Discussion

M0nP's avatar
M0nP
Member
20 days ago

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.

mastectomy
radiation
side-effects

9 Replies

  • TaraJ's avatar
    TaraJ
    Member
    9 days ago

    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 

  • Daisymoo's avatar
    Daisymoo
    Member
    12 days ago

    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.

  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    13 days ago

    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.

  • 4950's avatar
    4950
    Member
    18 days ago

    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.

    • M0nP's avatar
      M0nP
      Member
      18 days ago

      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 🤞 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    20 days ago

    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

    • M0nP's avatar
      M0nP
      Member
      18 days ago

      Thanksarpie​ thats interesting you were told to lie and on your stomach!? I am on my back and my first day went well. It’s too early to say how my skin will react of course but I got moo goo and I also ended up buying the strata gel online. Fingers crossed all goes well! 

      • arpie's avatar
        arpie
        Member
        18 days ago

        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