RADIATION

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