Forum Discussion

annz53's avatar
annz53
Member
13 years ago

Radiation burns recovery period

Hi All,

Just wondering if those who were unfortunate and had to deal with painful burns during and/or after their radiation treatment could share some info with me.

How quickly did you recover? I am looking to going back to work during my radiation treatment and am wondering if I am unfortunate and burn would I be able to continue working?

I am a Food Processor and would be working on a fast production line.

Also, I have read that some people only get a bad skin reaction at the end of their radiation ~ if this happened to you, how long did it take for you to recover and could you work through it all?

I am scheduled for 5wks of radiation with a boost at the end. Thanks, Ann

5 Replies

  • pennyb's avatar
    pennyb
    Member
    13 years ago
    I had a lumpectomy also, so radiation on my breast, under arm because I had 12 nodes removed, and radiation on my neck because I had cancer in 4 of the 12 nodes. Xx
  • pammy's avatar
    pammy
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Annz I had a lumpectomy and had radiation over my breast and under my arm. Half way thru it started burning and towards the end it was very painful, with peeling under the breast. I found the nipple area to be the most painful and had to put padding between any clothing to stop any rubbing. I didnt work during treatment because I had to live a way from home. I had 2 weeks off after and was able to resume work to full capacity.

    Its also common to get sharp pains in the area that is being zapped. Deep breaths helped ease them.

    Good luck, remember we all react differently. but it will be over before you know it

    Pam xxx

  • annz53's avatar
    annz53
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Penny, Thank you for that info. May I ask you which area you had radiation on. For example, I had a lumpectomy so I am presuming they will concentrate on my breast or do they go as high up as the neck as in your case? Thank you, Ann

  • pennyb's avatar
    pennyb
    Member
    13 years ago
    I had 30 sessions of radiation and by number 20 I was blistered and could hardly move my neck. I couldn't drive for the last week. I did recover pretty quickly though, within a week I was feeling so much better. Good luck and I hope you breeze through your radiation Love Penny xxx
  • tammyp26's avatar
    tammyp26
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Ann I've only had one week of radiotherapy so no burns yet. I've worked every day with no worries. It doesn't actually hurt to have the radiotherapy. I've heard it's about four weeks in when it starts to burn. Cheers Tammy