Hi AllI had a lumpectomy on my left breast in July 2017 and radiotherapy after. I am now on hormone replacement treatment.All went well and all results were clear but I continue to have some persistent side effects. I've taught myself how to massage to restrict lymph node problems but my breast is always really itchy, particularly around the nipple. The nipple sometime has a crusty excretion around it's base. The nipple can also get a bit sore from time to time. Does anyone have some practical advice on how to manage these nagging side effects? Lynne

Nothing sounds stupid here @Loveactually!There's a current thread here called Radiation which you might find useful. Use the search bar if you have trouble seeing it.Cancer is cancer. Yes, those with early detection are able to call themselves 'luckier' than others but the assault on our sense of self is no less profound. We all process things a bit differently, we all bring different life experiences to the shit fight that BC can be. Cancer of any sort forces us to look our mortality square in the face. So own your pain and fear and come here to let it out whenever you need to. We understand. K xox

Hi @LoveactuallyMy cancer was also small and discovered early. I also see myself as more fortunate. Don't worry too much about the radiotherapy. Just take all the creams that they give your and use them. It's a process that you just have to go through!I assume that some of your lymph nodes were removed also. Also make sure that you learn how to massage the are where the lymph nodes have been removed from. You can google it and learn how. It certainly makes a difference to the side effects. I've see my surgeon and I have another appointment in a couple of weeks. She thinks that the itchiness may just be eczema. I'm using cortezone cream for 2 weeks before she looks at it again. I have also taken myself of the HRT drug to see if the other symptoms wase off. My oncologist said the drug was not essential. I'll keep you informed on progress.

Hi RomlaThanks for the comments. It's good to know that I'm not experiencing anything rare. It's interesting, I didn't connect the sore ribs (especially through the night!). I will discuss it with my surgeon. And yes, there is not much information out there about the side effects! I'll post my surgeon's comments when available. RegardsLynne

Hi @Loveactually . We went to Cairns shortly after radiotherapy and I learnt you must be careful with UV as it seems to activate the radiated breast. The creaming productyou use is important too.Moo Goo is very popular on here .I used Dermaveen which worked fine .I creamed 3times a day for 3 months and more if I felt I needed it. Sorbolene is not such a great emollient - my radiotherapy clinic got rid of it and supplied Cetaphil mainly I guess as people rarely used it. They suppplied. Creams in the change room for straight after treatment .Radiation can cause some rib pain but always get it checked with your oncologist to be sure. I am a very fair Skinned redhead had 16 rounds of chemo and skin damage was minimal for me. You will experience engulfing fatigue for a while usually after treatment ends and need to be prepared to slow down and nap when you need it - it didn’t last for long for me .Treatment is 5 days per week so there is a lot of travel and finding a park can be time consuming .Actual treatment itself is quick 15 minutes or less. Most time is taken up at the start when they are planning your treatment and mapping where the zaps will be and for how long. I had LHS breast cancer so was taught to hold my breath to lift the radiation site from my heart .It was not difficult to do.Hope some of this helps. Happy to provide anymore information if I can and you need. xoPS Cost. Radiation treatment is exactly the same whether public or private - you can blend private surgery / chemo with public radiation. The latter has noexcesss whereas my private radiation cost $2000 excess as private cover did not pick up the tab. If I had my time over I would go public for radiation- my radiation treatment was quite short but the excess can be much greater depending on how many rounds your have.

Yep @Lynne62 @Loveactually Mine was caught early too, good surgery and clearance, radiation with minimal burns .... so also consider myself very lucky.i only had 3 nodes removed and am luckily not affected by that either other than it is still numb in that area ... and the Letrozole will only decrease my likelihood of recurrence by 1% .... so if I DO get bad side effects, can also drop it if I wish. In the mean time I will soldier on!!Keen to know how you go with stopping the tablets, Lynne!i was given cortisone cream for something ..... but can’t remember what now! LOL. Fog Brain!Yep, lathering the cream on 2-3 times a day (but NOT before your treatment) will hopefully prevent any adverse side effects. Your boob WILL get very warm and stay warm for some 4-6 weeks afterwards as well .... and there’s a chance of short sharp stabbing pains now and then but they didn’t persist with me.

Persistent symptoms after lumpectomy

Lynne62
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Loveactually
My cancer was also small and discovered early. I also see myself as more fortunate. Don't worry too much about the radiotherapy. Just take all the creams that they give your and use them. It's a process that you just have to go through!
I assume that some of your lymph nodes were removed also. Also make sure that you learn how to massage the are where the lymph nodes have been removed from. You can google it and learn how. It certainly makes a difference to the side effects. I've see my surgeon and I have another appointment in a couple of weeks. She thinks that the itchiness may just be eczema. I'm using cortezone cream for 2 weeks before she looks at it again.
I have also taken myself of the HRT drug to see if the other symptoms wase off. My oncologist said the drug was not essential. I'll keep you informed on progress.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Nothing sounds stupid here @Loveactually!

There's a current thread here called Radiation which you might find useful. Use the search bar if you have trouble seeing it.

Cancer is cancer. Yes, those with early detection are able to call themselves 'luckier' than others but the assault on our sense of self is no less profound. We all process things a bit differently, we all bring different life experiences to the shit fight that BC can be. Cancer of any sort forces us to look our mortality square in the face. So own your pain and fear and come here to let it out whenever you need to. We understand. K xox
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Lynne62

i had my lumpectomy in Jan, radiation in March and started Letrozole 2 weeks ago. I still get the itchy nipple now and then but not the discharge. Also still getting that sharp stAbbing pain now and then that I had during radiation and it is a bit tender now and then, mainly when I turn over at night.

I hope your surgeon/Onc (and the ladies above) can help you with your concerns xxx
Loveactually
Member
7 years ago
P.S. My boob looks lopsided and inverted too.!!!!
Loveactually
Member
7 years ago
Hi, I'm new to this site and finding my way around so forgive errors. I had a lumpectomy on 19th April after early breast cancer diagnoses. I start Radiation Monday 4th June for 4 weeks, followed by drugs which my specialist hasn't decided upon yet! My mind is abuzz with so much info. I feel as if I don't know too much about my diagnosis other than it was HR2 Negative and need Radiation! I feel that because my cancer was small I should count myself lucky and get on with it sounds stupid I know. Radiation isn't sounding too bad hopefully. Any advice would be good.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
Where is your nerve pain @onemargie?
Lynne62
Member
8 years ago
Hi Romla
Thanks for the comments. It's good to know that I'm not experiencing anything rare. It's interesting, I didn't connect the sore ribs (especially through the night!). I will discuss it with my surgeon. And yes, there is not much information out there about the side effects!
I'll post my surgeon's comments when available.
Regards
Lynne
Romla
Member
8 years ago
@Lynne62 I too had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy followed by radiotherapy in March 2017 and still experience side effects - a warmer left breast, soreness mainly on the ribs.I even had an inverted nipple last October and chest pains.The latter was nerve regeneration.I also had a bit of crusty discharged.Have had everything checked each time it occurs and been told was side effect of treatment. HOWEVER please get your side effects checked for your own peace of mind.That said there may be side effects that lessen over time , some we must live with .I guess continuing with creaming and avoidance of drying soaps may help.I found it much more comfortable when a friend bought me an aah bra .I had used Target post op bras previously.

I have been disappointed about how little information is given about longer term side effects of our treatment esp radiotherapy - it is a glaring shortfall and urgently needs correction.We are not the only ones on this site who have questioned longer term side effects.I discussed it with my surgeon and even the BCNA booklets did not cover it much less the centres who provide the treatment.
Lynne62
Member
8 years ago
Thanks Margie
I have an appointment coming up soon and I do intend to talk to her about it.
onemargie
Member
8 years ago
Hey lovey have you spoken to your surgeon about your symptoms ? Perhaps that might be an option to get some advice. I had a double mastectomy and still get nerve pain 18 months later sometimes so I can’t help you but I’m sure someone will jump on with some advice for you. Margie. Xx

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