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

Sister
Member
6 years ago
@louise64 The hospital I went to validated parking so it was free. I drove home from each of mine - just over 1 hour and approx 40km - with no problem. I did get very tired from rads but it wouldn't really kick in until later. I never had any concerns about driving safely.
Louise64
Member
6 years ago
Thank you 🥰🥰
Newbie3312
Member
6 years ago
@Louise64 I was very nervous to start but the lovely ladies on this forum gave me reassurance that there are very few horror stories and lots of advice on different creams etc to use. Seems they key is to just keep moisturised and speak to your nurses etc if you have any concerns.
Big hugs to you and best wishes. Xx
ddon
Member
6 years ago
I am very close to the hospital - just 15 minutes - so I drive in and out every day. I am not feeling especially tired from the radiation exactly. Still tired from chemo I think. I have had huge sun damage also - very fair skinned and awful sunburns as a child so my upper chest and collarbone are showing it now.
Louise64
Member
6 years ago
thank you- it’s the unknown individual effects. Hoping for the best outcomes.
take care 💕
Newbie3312
Member
6 years ago
@Louise64 I’m the same. I proper baked myself when I was younger 🥴.
You should get your parking free? They validate parking where I go ...
hope your surgery goes well.
I’m feeling fine so far. Bit pink after 3 sessions but it settles down over night.
Louise64
Member
6 years ago
How are you feeling? I have a lot of sun damage (no sympathy- 80s sunbaking) on chest already. BCC/ SCC excisions... surgery next Tuesday first 👍 I hate driving but it’s parking that’s expensive. That’s why I thought I’d take bus - 30 mins each way .
Newbie3312
Member
6 years ago
@Louise64 sorry to hear you’re on your own. I am an hour away from treatment and I have a friend who can drive me when I need it but am hoping I can do most of it by myself unless I get tired towards the end. I’m only 5 days in of 6 weeks... I hope you have some support from friends or family?
Louise64
Member
6 years ago
Not “service” idea 💡
Louise64
Member
6 years ago
May I ask are you all driving yourselves to radiotherapy? I’m thinking of taking bus ? 6 weeks. Good or bad service does as have to go it alone 💕

Forum Discussion

Scarring from radiation

45 Replies

Recent Discussions

How soon after mastectomy can unusual scar be "tidied"

Predict - Breast Cancer app

What to expect - AC after Carbo/paclitaxel/pembro

Monash Health or Peter Mac

Microcalcification biopsy