Radiation side effects

Hi . MI had 16 rounds LHS radiotherapy. The centre supplied Calendula cream after each cycle which I found excellent. Sorbolene cream was also available at the centre but rarely used whereas Calendula was forever running out.Towards the end of my treatment the centre ceased to provide Sorbolene and switched to Cetaphil. Creaming at least 3times daily for 3months is critical as is being careful with UV. many on here swear by Moo Goo too.

Tiredness is usually not an issue until towards the end of treatment then can be like an engulfing fog for a while -how long depends on many factors with the number of rounds  you have being one. I was ok after a week or so after treatment ended. During treatment the biggest drain is daily travel as you are treated Monday to Friday and finding a park can be a problem.

 I started another Aromatase Inhibitor called Letrozole after treatment ended and has been manageable .I have been on Letrozole over 9months.Yes there are side effects to both . radiotherapy has tiredness , skin damage . Aromatase inhibitors thin bones so having your bone density measured beforehand is a wise to have a baseline.I have had joint pain , the blues ,and elevated cholesterol as a result of the Letrozole.Walking daily helps a lot with joint pain and also makes me feel better possible due to endorphins that are released.I find I am able to walk thru joint pain after 10-15 minutes.My oncologist advised Krill Oil tablets which I take daily for joint pain.I also take Caltrate Bone and Muscle Health 2per day according to the recommendation of the Australian Osteoporosis society. As I started with osteoporosis and a osteoporotic fracture already I also have 6 monthly Prolia injections to counter bone thinning .

I am happy to answer any questions if I can help but whilst I have had some rib issues ( my osteoporotic  fracture prior to radiation was a cracked rib)my lungs seem ok.Hope this helps a bit.

Thank you

Hi there,
every precaution is taken to protect your lungs but yes a little scarring may happen, I’ve never heard of any complications developing. Skin wise there are several creams recommended,basic sorbolene is cheap and readily available , moo goo is great, there are several others, spread it over the entire area 3 times a day but not immediately before treatment, your clinic may offer mepitel film which is wonderful stuff but not suitable for larger breasts or hot climates. Generally the fatigue lasts for about 6 wks after until it starts to improve. But everyone is different. Hope this helps