Forum Discussion

shat's avatar
shat
Member
11 years ago

radiation 'firmness' and PCR

Hi troopers,

I have had the best outcome with my chemo and surgery that I could hope for. I feel so lucky in that respect. I requested neoadjuvant chemo and had a complete response so there was no cancer evident. However it is still recommended that I have radiotherapy. I have come so far to save my breast and now I am really concerned about the 'firmness' I am sure that oncs avoided the word shrinkage because my breasts are very small already (b cup) so I am concerned that any firmness aka shrinkage will be really noticeable.

It is so hard having to put yourself through radiation when you may only be killing healthy cells. If there were cancer evident I wouldn't hesitate.

I would like to hear how your boobs have faired up after radiation ..the whole truth please..particularly if you are small breasted. Also interested in anyone who has had a PCR and what they were recommended in regards to radiotherapy?

7 Replies

  • murielwhite's avatar
    murielwhite
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi I finished radiation nearly 4 months ago and the firmness is definitely there.   I think my breast is larger now, not smaller than the untreated one.   I guess the doctors recommend radiotherapy as insurance.   Best wishes to you whatever you decide. Best wishes Muriel

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi there, I had a lumpectomy and then chemo/rads. I can honestly say that I didn't suffer any shrinkage or hardening. However I too like Tonya had a recurrence (lucky us) and ended up with a mastectomy. I then went on to have a TRAM flap reconstruction. I had an elective mastectomy of my remaining breast. The new breast on the radiated side is quite firm and dare I say perky compared to the non radiated side. i don't have implants, just tissue transfer. I think it is like anything to do with this awful disease, some of us suffer greater side effects than others. I think at the end of the day I made my decisions based on what was going to give me the best outcome health wise. I guess you could always seek another opinion? I wish you all the best. Paula x
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Shat, I think it's probably 50-50 as to whether your boob shrinks after radiation. I know any ladies who had no changes in their breasts at all. I'll be honest with you - my boob shrunk abit and was uncomfortable, hard forever after. My husband and I couldn't touch it and it basically was there to fill a bra which was ok by me.However,7 years later the cancer came back in the same spot and I had to have a mastectomy.I was told I had an 8% chance of recurrence in the same breast - lucky me!Prepare for worst but hope for the best,has become my motto.You've come this far so stay hopeful.Tonya xx
  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Shat

    I'm a c cup. My bc breast was quite a bit smaller than the other after surgery until radio. I had 33 treatments up to 19/12/14. It has been swollen ever since and looks the same size and shape as the other one. The surgeon thinks the swelling I'm now left with will probably be permanent.  Can be a little uncomfortable at times and the scar line is quite hard but all in all I'm pretty happy with the result. I was prepared to do everything I could to reduce the risks of the cancer returning. All the best with what ever way you decide to go. Karen xox

  • nicole_h's avatar
    nicole_h
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Shat,

    I find it astonishing to say the least that a common side effect,reported on this site, of radiation is aching & hardening of the breast & arm, which I am experiencing too.  I have read all the literature given to me and some, and spoken to radiation oncologist, radiation nurses, radiation therapists and bc nurse and this side effect has not been mentioned.  Nor the red hot poker feeling which they now tell me is normal.  Then why isn't it on the list of common or rare side effects?????  I'm so sick of having to find out everything myself and the hard way.  The people advising us especially the medicos should be trained by a bc patient.

    In fact here's an idea.  For every bc initial diagnosis there should be a register of names & numbers, email details etc of prior patients willing to be contacted. Like a buddy system.  I don't know anyone who wouldn't participate.  Why is something like this not in place????  I was never told even about this site.  I found it myself by accident, so it's not enough support especially for the computer illiterate or remote patients with poor or no internet.  

    Food for thought!!  Love to all Nicole x

  • shat's avatar
    shat
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rosanna,

    Thanks for your reply. It is most helpful to hear from others who have been through this. I was soo relieved that after surgery my breast looked the same, now it just seems so disappointing to have to face the fears all over again. I am glad you are happy with your 20 yo looking boob :)

    Tanya. 

  • Rosanna's avatar
    Rosanna
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Shat

    How are you?  I am b cup usually.  I had 2 times surgeries on the right breast...however, when I concerned with the size shrinking after all treatment, mine in fact gets bigger.

    After 30times radiation, my right breast in fact, much filled up and dense with the tissue inside.  The density cause unclear to the outrasound, and MRI was needed.  I had a bit un-balance look compare to the normal left breast.  The right one, after the Surgeon doctor follow up check.  He makes joke that now looks way better.  He said, it's ok and no problem, now the look just like a 20year old girl.  I had no sweat from the right breast since completed radiation,  now the size and shape actually looks very good.  But the left size a bit behind.  The breast care nurse said it might go back as before for a certain period of time, I finished my radiation 3Sep, the situation still on.  

    I hope you are well and everything smooth.

    Take care.

    Rosanna