Forum Discussion
Radiotherapy (5 weeks)
If you haven't been through it yet and are worried, please don't.
It sounds much worse than it is.
The receptionists, nurses and radiographers are really lovely.
It doesn't hurt.
It doesn't take long.
I was in and out within an hour or less.
My boob was a bit itchy throughout the treatment and became redder as the treatment progressed. But it wasn't sore. I felt tired for about 30 minutes after the treatment.
The first week after finishing radiotherapy, you could clearly see the area and a clear line where the radio was targeted, it was a bit bumpy but not blisters.
From the beginning I put sorbelene on twice a day until my friend told me about Tallow cream, I alternated them at first but after a while just used tallow because I found the sorbelene made me more itchy.
Second week after finishing; there where a few changes to my skin. It was the same as the after ejects of sun burn without feeling the burn. My skin turned a darker brown, then peeled back to a nice tan colour.
I've had quite a few headaches since finishing radiotherapy but I get migraines anyway so it could just be normal for me.
I wish you all the best throughout your journey with breast cancer. I hope I have helped to take some worry out of the whole experience.
Think happy thoughts, love Becky
It sounds much worse than it is.
The receptionists, nurses and radiographers are really lovely.
It doesn't hurt.
It doesn't take long.
I was in and out within an hour or less.
My boob was a bit itchy throughout the treatment and became redder as the treatment progressed. But it wasn't sore. I felt tired for about 30 minutes after the treatment.
The first week after finishing radiotherapy, you could clearly see the area and a clear line where the radio was targeted, it was a bit bumpy but not blisters.
From the beginning I put sorbelene on twice a day until my friend told me about Tallow cream, I alternated them at first but after a while just used tallow because I found the sorbelene made me more itchy.
Second week after finishing; there where a few changes to my skin. It was the same as the after ejects of sun burn without feeling the burn. My skin turned a darker brown, then peeled back to a nice tan colour.
I've had quite a few headaches since finishing radiotherapy but I get migraines anyway so it could just be normal for me.
I wish you all the best throughout your journey with breast cancer. I hope I have helped to take some worry out of the whole experience.
Think happy thoughts, love Becky
25 Replies
Thank you. At times, for me, this feels quite surreal.
Today my hair started to fall out so I’m going to have it shaved off tomorrow.
it is great having this community space.
love to all.
anni
Hi Violet123​ this community is here for you - don't forget to reach out to us or call the Helpline this week as you are going through these changes - it is perfectly normal to feel overwhlemed and we are all cheering you on!
Hi Beckyvdb​, Thank you so much for your post, it is very reassuring. I am one cycle into the chemo post surgery and in February will be having radiation. I have sensitive skin so will probably use QV or the Oatmeal moistuiser but will check with oncology nurse.
You have really taken a load off my mind through sharing your lived experience,
Kind Regards,
Anni Violet123
Hi Anni Violet123​
Good luck with everything. I am now a year clear having had a bit of a scare on the other side that turned out to be a breast cyst. They say that you can have repercussions for a long time after radio, but I've not had any problems. Sending you positive thoughts.
Becky
XXXXXX
It was so kind of you to take the time to post this! Thank you. I'm about to start 5 weeks of radiotherapy. You've really reassured me. I wish you well.
It's so great to see you've found this community - this is what we are here for! Wishing you all the best with upcoming radiotherapy
Please don't hesitate to call our helpline if you need to chat on 1800 500 258 - we are here for you and happy to help! Especially over the next 5 weeks.
Thank you.I have felt alone, although I have a lovely family and two small dogs but this space is great. I need to talk to other women on this journey.
Kind Regards Anni Violet123
I had my last radiation session yesterday (15). I got some silicone dressings from the nurse to help with my itchy sensitive nipple but otherwise I just have a bit of colour on my right breast and a clear line at the edge of the target area. The nurse said it'll get darker before it starts to fade and to continue with the sorbolene as needed.
I've got a physio appointment on Thursday for the cording in my arm, it has loosened up a bit with exercise so I don't need the painkillers, but it is still visibly there and twinges if I overstretch.
My follow-up with the radiation oncologist is in 4 weeks.
Next phase is the Tamoxifen, I don't quite know when I'm supposed to start that though. I was given the prescription at my post-op appointment and told it should be sometime after the radiation.
Hello again! I am now 5 down 10 to go into my 15 radiation sessions. Beckyvdb I spotted your paintings in the reception area, you are very talented :) I can see where the inspiration came from, I've had most of my sessions in suite 3.
The radiation itself is going fine, no redness yet, I've been applying the sorbolene the nurse gave me when I remember to.
The scar is healing nicely, it is a dark pink line with a dot at either end from the stitches, the hard lumpiness has almost gone, but there is still some numbness in my underarm. The position of the lump meant they were able to remove it and the sentinel nodes with just one incision that should eventually be more or less hidden if I avoid side-boob baring tops (or big armholes).
My issue is my right arm now hurts if I lift and straighten it, I'll mention it to the doc and nurse tomorrow as I have follow-ups scheduled with both. Not sure if I've just over exerted or it is new side effect as more feeling returns around the surgery site.
I hope everyone else is doing well.
ok, so after some research and a chat to the nurse today, the pain in my arm is cording. I could actually see it in my armpit this morning and there is a line down my arm as well. I'll keep up the exercises/stretches and see how it goes. It hurts more than the surgery did so I guess I'm back on the paracetamol.
- Dear @LouiseR,
Phew! That all sounds very, very positive. As @arpie mentioned, the scar really doesn't show at all in time. I have a line under my arm where they took out the lymph nodes. You can just see a pink line that looks a bit like a crease. I still feel stiff underarm and it's a bit of a weird sensation when touched but as long as I don't wear anything that rubs, it's fine.
I also threw all my wired bras away
:-(
You can now buy moulded cup bras that are wireless. I have one from Cotton On and it's very pretty with just as much support as a wired one.
Keep up the exercises. They really help.
Good luck with the radio therapy. If you are at the Royal Adelaide, I painted the pictures that are above the sink in reception. (If they are still there). I was inspired by the ceiling in suite 3. I hope they brighten your day. Also don't forget you get free parking. The lovely receptionists will put your car park ticket through the machine on the desk. They'll probably ask you.
All the best, lots and hugs,
Becky
Xx - Great news, @LouiseR, all round. I hope that fluid buildup settles so you can start getting some quality sleep again, soon, in your preferred position! I was really surprised that my own 'wound' wasn't as confronting as I thought it would be (as he had to remove my nipple & sew it back on again ....) so don't be too scared to have a peek!! I had one stitch that didn't dissolve too & it was sticking out & just needed the nurse to pull it out - so you maybe should be aware of how it looks 'now' vs in a week or so .....
Have you been assigned a Breast Care nurse yet? If not, go onto the Mcgrath website & check who is available in your area. You can liaise with her re the fluid buildup & may even accompany you to meetings, if you need 'support' ... they cover 'all cancers' now, so you'll just need to add 'BC' .. and your post code! ;)
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/
take care & all the best as you continue healing. - I had my post-op appointment yesterday and thankfully the margins were clear so no further surgery needed and the lymph nodes were clear too. I feel like a weight has been lifted, I'd almost convinced myself it was all going too smoothly and started really worrying.
Apparently the wound is healing nicely - I didn't dare look while the dressing was off. They drained some fluid which made a huge difference and I was able to lie on my side last night! it feels like the fluid is building back up though so will see how it goes and call the nurses to get it drained again.
@Beckyvdb, good advice on the bra - I have been wearing a soft bralette/crop top to sleep in as much for psychological as physical support, I am not 'large breasted' either @arpie but through all this have learned they are very dense. I've thrown out my underwired bras and bought wirefree versions. I only really wear 'proper' bras for work as I feel a bit under-dressed otherwise. I find bralettes and vest tops are sufficient for casual wear.
Next step in treatment is radiation in 5 weeks or so, so that'll bring this thread back on topic ;) - I hope you are going well, @LouiseR - you'll know when it is 'right' to try your preferred sleeping position ... it is amazing how quickly we heal xx Woohoo! Terrific that your partner is helping out with the 'unexpected' lifting bits ... it is SO easy to 'forget' & just do it - which can cause a setback :(
Well done, @Beckyvdb for mentioning that! I'd totally forgotten it til you mentioned it - wearing a bra (the soft ones)!!! I'd not worn a bra for decades prior to my diagnosis ..... and after healing, didn't wear one again! ;)
I definitely wore a bra after my surgery (tho not 'large breasted') as it definitely helped to support both the flesh affected by surgery & the 'non' affected flesh - and I removed the 'insert' so it was even more 'softer'! ...
That 'numbness' can hang around for months ... even longer ...
I used to give THEM a copy of the questions, to make sure they covered all of them too! ;)
Take care & all the best - Dear @LouiseR,
It sounds like you are being very brave, and wise to not let it take over. It's normal to be anxious, you just have to try and control it before it controls you.
I sleep on my side and found after they took the dressings off it became easier to resume normal sleep, I also wore a bra in bed, as it seemed to help to not stretch everything in the wrong direction, especially if you toss and turn.
Good luck with the node biopsy.
All the best, Becky xx
