Hi all hope everyone is well. Im 41 and been given option to do 4 or 6 weeks of radiation. My initial reaction was to just do 4 weeks to get it over and done with but I unfortunately googled things now I’m freaking out!!!! I didn’t realise the radiation covered entire right side of my chest and how significant burns are??? I’m assuming everyone reacts differently do scares / burns go away or get worse? I live and hour from treatment so only real reason to shorten course ... am I being paranoid?! Any thoughts or peoples experiences greatly appreciated 😊also I ride horses for a living so am trying to weigh up side effects keeping I’m mind I bounce around on horses all day 😂💃💃

Hi @newbie3312 I only did 15 days (higher dose) but my experience was not bad. I had the right side done including the superclave area. I used Mepitel film (but had to ask for it - it wasn't offered) although I believe that many places are suggesting StrataXRT (think I've got that right) but it is pricey and I think you have to get it yourself. I also used MooGoo cream fairly liberally whenever the film was off. The film certainly made a difference because there was a tiny gap for 1 session and I got a significant tan line from it. I had no burning during the treatment but about 3 weeks after I finished, I had a very tender reddened spot on the soft skin to the side of where my breast had been. That's as bad as it got. Now, other women have different stories to tell but for me, radiation was not a big deal. The only other thing I could say is that I got very tired at times which is common, but to be fair, this was off the back of 6 months of chemo.

Hi@newbie3312 Firstly sorry this is even a decision you have to make. Just like @Sister, my experience wasn’t bad either. I opted for the shorter stronger course. I carried plain Sorbolene with me everywhere I went and kept the skin practically white with it,(several times daily), and before bed last thing I did was coat the radiated area with AloeVera that I kept in the fridge. I made sure that in the shower I didn’t direct the shower directly on the breast, used dermaveen gentle wash and kept the water cooler than I would have liked! I wore very very soft cotton tshirts. Only slightly differcult part was soft bras(I’m D cup)for when I was at work. ( I worked the entire time). Perhaps while your skin is fragile you could smother in cream then bandage the breasts gently/firmly for horse riding.?There will be a radiation nurse to help advise you. No burns, No scars , No probs. Hope this helps. PS. Radiation is a distant memory ... I’m almost 5 yrs done!, you too will get here xJanineG

Sorry to hear you had a hard time of it, @Caz1 - it is important to see both sides of the coin! Shame your Rad nurses didn't pick up on it earlier. Mine gave me a 'private inspection' about every 10 days. @Newbie3312 - it is very important that you keep the Rad Nurses up to date with any concerning changes to your skin condition. Your radiated area WILL get warm & will remain warm during the treatment and for at least a month afterwards, for some, even longer. It is essential to keep the lotions up well after the Rads finishes - as well as avoiding getting the sun onto those areas .... try not to overthink it all - just be aware of the need to keep the lotions going!! ;)

Absolutely 2 sides to everything. The nurses at my clinic told me that I was to report any concerns straight away. I didn't have any but appreciated that they were adamant about it. It meant that I was never left feeling that I shouldn't bother anyone. Having the film on also meant that the area was checked once a week when it was reapplied.And following on from @kezmusc ... I have also remained very cautious about sunlight on the area particularly since I love the sunshine. I invested in a couple of new rashies for the beach - 1 short-sleeved and 1 long-sleeved - giving me a choice for the strength of UV and time spent outside. I also stash light scarves in both cars (except when my husband decides to clean everything out of them!) just in case I get caught short somewhere - it gives me something to drape over that side to keep any sun off. You also don't want sunburn if you've had any lymph nodes taken as that can be a potential source of infection.

Yeah, its a bastard burn for a few weeks, particularly bad after the treatment finishes. Or was in my case. 2 years later there is no sign apart from a vague difference in skin colour. And no hair in that armpit. Which is sort of OK.I figured if I was in for a penny, I was in for a pound --my grandmother's description of being committed. Alive with scars or dead with (not so) perfect skin. Mxx

Scarring from radiation | BCNA Online Network

45 Replies

FLClover
Member
6 years ago
@arpie oh that’s good to know! I’ll try then. Thanks 😁 xx
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arpie
Member
6 years ago
No harm in trying, @FLClover ... I could have had my surgery locally, but went to Sydney and was covered .... All the best xx
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Sister
Member
6 years ago
I was public in a public hospital (Royal Adelaide) and still got validated parking.
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FLClover
Member
6 years ago
@arpie Thanks for the info! That’s very useful, but I doubt I’ll be eligible since I live in Sydney, therefore I have treatment centres closer to home. I just like the centre where I go. Thank you though ☺️
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arpie
Member
6 years ago
@FLClover ... what state are you in? If you have to travel 1hr each way you should be able to claim petrol costs. As treatment is every day, the mileage is cumulative ... google “isolated patients rebate” in your state. Your GP, Onc or Specialist can fill in the initial form ....

all the best xx
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FLClover
Member
6 years ago
@Jwrenn I’m also public at a private, and they told me I could pay $700 one off and receive free parking plus other benefits, but I said no as it’s still a lot. Hospitals are all different it seems. At least I’m saving in petrol and can read, listen to music etc 🤷🏼‍♀️
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Jwrenn
Member
6 years ago
@FLClover I was public at a private hospital for radiation and it cost nothing. But I agree about the ‘me’ time, I read while I waited for my sessions.
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FLClover
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Louise64, I’m having my 7th treatment today and am on the train in now. An hour each way. Gives me my ‘me’ time, plus too much traffic driving and expensive parking. I’m public so don’t get it for free.
Good luck with your surgery Xx
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Jwrenn
Member
6 years ago
@Louise64 at my hospital they validated the parking as well but we were able to park outside in free parking too. It was very quiet I believe because of the coronavirus as not many visitors allowed at the hospital. I would have been quite able to drive myself but it was an outing for my husband too. Most of the time I was in and out in about a half an hour.
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Louise64
Member
6 years ago
Thank you- that’s good to hear. You just took away a lot of worrying about it. ❤️
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