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Catscrapcats's avatar
10 years ago

Radiation problems

Hi everyone, I have just had my 20 of 30 radiation treatments and am experiencing terrible stabbing pains that make me feel like I need to breathe as if I was in labour! I have had them in the weeks after surgery but not as bad as this. It seems to start about 4-5 hours after radio and lasts about 12 hours or at least last night I took some panadeine and finally fell asleep. Guessing it's part of the normal process but has anyone found something that helps? Feeling a little sore and sorry for myself as it is as my under arm and under breast have become very red and sore, with a burning pain but the nurse has now given me some xylocaine and bepanthan which is helping to soothe it. Counting down the days! Maria

9 Replies

  • I am sure it is part of the process but will check. Like you the pain comes on quick and only lasts a few seconds but quite intense. Last night was a bit better. I got itchy earlier on and the nurse gave me some cortisone cream. My vanity looks like a chemist shop! I was told to mix solugel with moisturiser as it can be very drying and so far haven't peeled. Glad to hear it heals quickly, bit of a nuisance having to have a break but guess you needed to heal. Regards Maria xx

  • Thanks, yes very true. So uncomfortable it just happens, find myself looking around after to see who seen it, haha. Glad you had a better night xx

  • Hello, better night last night, I guess if men can grab their private bits to readjust or have a scratch then we are quite entitled to grab our boobs and have a bit of a rub when the pain strikes! Can't be much fun coping with the infection as well. Hoping it clears up soon for you. xx

  • Hang in there. I burnt quite badly the whole area zapped peeled and it was uncomfortable but not painful i needed a ten day break with only 8 treatment to go. The whole thing healed incredibly quickly though which was surprising. The solugel in the fridge was a godsend. I had stabbing pains that came and went during the process but mine didnt last long. They told me it was normal but if yours are bad make sure you tell the doc or breast nurse. 

    Maryrose ??

  • Hey,  how you doing.

    Sounds like your going through an awful lot. Instead of waiting to see radiation doc, see the nurses first up tomorrow. 

    I spoke couple times with my concerns. I had shooting pains through breast off and on. They catch me off guard and I hold my breast moan and groan wherever I am, lol.

    The itching has been the hardest for me. Drives me crazy.

    Oh and the fatigue, beyond comprehension

    I also have infection area flared up that was there since my op 3-4 months ago. 

    I'm day 19 out of 20...only tomorrow to go. Praying better days ahead for us all.

    xxx. 

  • Thanks everyone, I will get to see my radiation oncologist Thursday so will ask her then about the pain. I'm told because I have larger breasts you have more problems with burning/chaffing. Hot weather probably doesn't help either. I was told by the nurse and rad oncologist that I am not allowed to put anything but room temperature wet flannel on the skin cause it's so tender when all I want to do is shove an ice brick under my arm! Only 10 more to go but who's counting!

  • Hi Maria

    Definietely seek out the radiation nurse at the very least and have a word to her/him about the pain.  I had 33 radiations and got off fairly lightly compared to others, so I can't say that I had that problem but you are only 2/3rds through so need to sort out something to give you relief. Like most treatments, we all react differently.  Good luck. Karen xox

  • Hi Maria, I have just finished my last radiation - got some stabbing pains but they didn't last.  If it continues perhaps you should see your oncologist - you're going through enough without the extra pain.  I used a combination of QV cream, aloe vera, and dermaid - found putting the aloe vera in the fridge to keep it cold was very soothing - under the breast feels like a very bad case of chaffing - not pleasant.  Hang in there and take care   RosG

     

  • Hi Maria

    Have you told the Drs or nurses about this pain? 

    I have only had 12 of 33 sessions so far but have not had any pain- I use copious Moogoo three times a day?? - early days I know!

    Take Care 

    Jan