RADIATION

Hi Nicole, I also had 33 radiotherapy treatments finishing in Dec last year. My skin only began breaking down in the last week, particularly the nipple. It was sore and having dressings on certainly helped and I was able to continue treatment. I have struggled with some lymphodeama to the breast, under my arm and down my side since. I now do exercises and massage to keep things manageable. Radiotherapy was a breeze compared to chemo for me but it still takes a toll on your body and emotions. The soreness in the op site is more to do with the swelling in my case I think. It's just another thing we have to endure. Good luck with the rest of the radio.

 

karen xox

Hi Nicole, I'm having radiation at the moment but I'm only having 25 sessions on my right breast and neck (lymph nodes).  I've done 22 and look forward to next week when it is all over.  I am getting very red around the targeted areas and have started to experience some soreness.  When ever I get sore, I get the cream out and that helps.  I have had some itchiness but not  bad more annoying.  I get occasional pains in my breast but again not bad. 

I am also taking part in a trial where a thin clear sticky dressing is put on my breast and changed as necessary.  It looks like glad wrap. The theory is that friction from bras and clothing is a factor in skin damage.  So far my skin is doing very well and the oncologist is very pleased with the outcomes. 

Good luck with the rest of the treatment.  I have found the weeks have flown by and I suppose that is the daily grind of rocking up to the hospital given it takes longer to change than get the treatment.

take care. Maureen

Nicole,

It has been 18 months since I completed my right chest and supraclavicular (above the collar bone) radiation.  I also had axillary clearance.  I had all the things you describe.  People prepare you for the skin effects but I wasn't prepared for the extra strain the radiation puts on the surgical site.  My skin peeled and as terrible as that looked with application of creams and dressings for about 10 days that all healed well.  However, the cording and tightness has been ongoing.  I don't  want to sound alarming.  Everything is manageable but that's the point.  I know we all feel that we just have to get through the treatments and then life will return to 'normal'.  Well it's a new normal and my new normal is daily range of motion exercises to keep my shoulder working.  About every 6 months I need to see the physio to help release the cording under my arm.  Thankfully I haven't developed lymphoedema but I do daily lymphatic massage as well.  I a back at work and feeling good but I have found getting information about the long term effects of radiation difficult.

I would still choose to have radiation and I'm so pleased for you that you are more than half way through your treatment.  As you know there is nothing easy about cancer treatment and that's whats fantastic about this site - no one understands like someone who's been through it.  Your experience is going to be unique to you but thankfully there will be someone who has had a similar problem and we can limp though the hard times together. Take care and keep us posted. Anna

I'm the same,as I didn't have radiation either,but I just wanted to say hello,and wanted to let you know that I was just wondering a couple of days ago about how you were getting on!!You are on the home stretch now,and you have done really well.:)Please keep in touch,as the blog has been struggling a bit since all the changes.Cheers xoxRobyn

Hi Nicole nice to hear from you it has been a while.

Great to hear you are half way through your radiation, I cant help you with your symptoms as I didn't have radiation.Good to hear it is going better than chemo.

Keep well