Forum Discussion
Partial Breast Radiotherapy
Hello 👋 community I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while it has been surgically removed, I’m now entering the next phase of treatment. I would like to know if anyone has experience with part...
Hi larazon​
I had a lumpectomy on my right breast, followed by Radiotherapy - they target the immediate surgery area and it is very accurate. So only my surgery site (which was around the nipple area) was 'targeted' .... the radiation is used to mop up any randoms that may not have been removed in the surgery - so a definite benefit to have done, I reckon.
I had 4 weeks of Mon-Fri Rads, plus 2 boosters at the end .... I was able to have mine in the 'face down' position, and it was targeted from underneath by the Rads machine! Most have it 'face up'.
I had some redness (and warmth) in the targeted area - but applying lotions after each session & again in the evening, helped reduce the redness ... I had a bit of skin 'flaking' - but no real peeling. I had the odd 'shooting pain' and the area was a bit itchy now & then, but that all settled down. I continued with the lotions for another 4 weeks after finishing treatment, as the rads 'continues' to work on the area for a while, making it feel warm to the touch for some weeks.
Some people can feel fatigued during and after the treatment, but I didn't have that.
To be honest, I found the radiation to be the easiest of my 3 treatments (the other being my surgery and after rads, the Aromatase Inhibitors (AI tablets).
So please, don't get too anxious about it. The staff are very caring & do their best to put you at ease ... and the actual treatment usually only takes about 15mins ..... tho sometimes the initial 'setting up' may take a little while.
Take care & all the best xx
Hello Arpie đź‘‹
I’ve completed two sessions of targeted radiotherapy—3 more sessions to go
30 Gy over 5 day (Is the reccomendation).
So far, I haven’t experienced any fatigue and have been able to carry on with my usual daily activities.
After my first treatment, I found it emotionally challenging at night. It was hard to process everything I was feeling. On one hand, there was a sense of relief that the treatment had begun, but on the other, I felt overwhelmed—definitely a mix of emotions.
The team at Peter Mac has been really supportive, and the ladies there have said I’m doing well with my treatment. That reassurance means a lot.
Physically, my breast feels a little tender and warm, which I understand is a normal response.
The one aspect I’m still finding a bit difficult is the breath-holding technique. I really want to do everything I can to make this process as effective as possible and to minimize any potential damage to my lungs or heart. That’s where I feel a bit of pressure—wanting to get it just right.
Having time off work has definitely helped me feel less stressed. I’ve also been keeping up with my regular walking, which has made a big difference in supporting both my physical and mental wellbeingTerrific that it is going 'well' larazon​ xx The staff are usually terrific.
Yes, the warmth may hang around for a few weeks afterwards too.I didn't have to do the breath holding technique - I am sure they'll give you tips for the next few sessions, if they think you need them xx ....
this thread has some interesting observations about it:radiotherapy for DCIS after surgery | BCNA Online Network
Take care & all the best
