Forum Discussion

larazon's avatar
larazon
Member
1 year ago

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...
diagnosis
radiotherapy
cranky_granny's avatar
cranky_granny
Member
1 year ago

Hilarazon​ as the others have said i found the radiation the easiest part It started once my surgery site was healed enough. You didn’t mention which breast. Mine was left breast and 25 rounds I did the deep breath hold. The sessions are over pretty quick. 
there are things that can be used to protect your skin from burning. Metapil film and StrataX ( does cost out of pocket). 
I only used sorbolene cream and soap free washing. Did burn and blister towards the end but 25 rounds is a lot. And it was total sweep of the left breast and armpit. 
tiredness kicked in at about rad 19 and continued for about 2-3weeks after finishing. Along with the warm tight feeling. advice is Keep moisturising. 
check with the radiation nurses as to what they recommend. 
If anything comes up during your treatment we can do our best to help you through. 

  • Lyb's avatar
    Lyb
    Member
    11 months ago

    I'm curious about the breathing. Is that only needed if it's the left breast being treated to help protect the heart? The radiologists mentioned to me that they'd ask me to hold my breath, but they didn't. Maybe they were referring to when they do a CT scan at the end? I don't find there's as much communication and explanation as I'd like and different staff each time.

    • larazon's avatar
      larazon
      Member
      11 months ago

      Yes  the breathing technique is just for left breast radiation to protect your heart and lung.

       

      Did you have radiation on left or right breast? 

       

       

       

      • Lyb's avatar
        Lyb
        Member
        11 months ago

        Yes, partial to left. They must say the same to everyone, regardless of whether it's relevant.

  • larazon's avatar
    larazon
    Member
    1 year ago

    Hello cranky_granny 👋 

    My cancer was on my  left breast and today was my 2nd day radiation.  Still have 3 days to go.  I am receiving a total of 30gy spread through five days over over two weeks.  I am using a moisturiser  giving to me by the nurses.

     I am just finding the deep breathing  a bit challenging but I get said I did well at the end of the session. I dnt know if they are just been nice to me or what LOL

     

    Appreciate  your tips on protecting  my skin.  My nurse gave me a radiation therapy  pack with deodorant  and moisturiser.  I haven't felt tired yet but let's see whathappends  after my treatment is finished

    How are you doing 

     

  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    1 year ago

    larazon  you may also like to check out our article regarding radiotherapy Radiotherapy for early breast cancer. We also have a good webcast you can watch The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of DCIS and early breast cancer â€“ Which explores the use for radiotherapy including the benefits for the treatment of DCIS and early breast cancer, current and emerging techniques of radiotherapy delivery, the planning process and the factors that influence delivery, side effects and ways to manage them, follow up care and the costs associated with treatment.