Forum Discussion
larazon
1 year agoMember
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...
Tri
1 year agoMember
I am sorry about your diagnosis. My experience with radiation therapy following a lumpectomy in the Left breast was straightforward.
Radiation therapy to the left breast has a slight risk factor associated with ensuring the heart doesn’t get zapped. In my case this involved learning a breathing exercise that had the effect of keeping the heart well out of the line of radiation. The radiation treatment is very precision based and in my case I had nine little dots tattooed on my chest and just under the armpit that provided coordinates so each treatment was exact.
My side effects were similar to those described byarpie​ but I did feel fatigued and made time to rest each day throughout the 15 day treatment. I think my fatigue was partly due to the radiation being on the back of my neo adjuvant chemotherapy, catching COVID and then having surgery so I think it was just that I was probably already pretty depleted by other things.
After the radiation therapy the breast does continue to feel sensitive and warm for a few weeks. I am not sure if it was from the surgery or the radiation but a few months after completing it I found I had a bit of tightness and cording and I consulted a specialist physio who focused on breast cancer care and she was able to provide laser therapy and exercises that helped considerably.
Wishing you all the best with this next phase!
- larazon1 year agoMember
Hello Tri,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply during this difficult time in my life—it truly means a lot to hear about your experience and feel that sense of connection and understanding.
I’m planning to see a physiologist soon—it’s on my to-do list once I finish my treatment. I believe it will be helpful in supporting my recovery and overall wellbeing.
How long has it been since you finished your radiotherapy? And are you currently taking hormone blockers
Today was my 2nd day of Radiation and 3 more days to go
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey.