Radiation treatment
I’m 4 sessions in of 3 weeks radiation. Had a lumpectomy about 6 weeks ago. I’ve also have fibromyalgia, depression and adhd. I’m suffering badly from imposter syndrome because I know how lucky I am, so don’t come on here often. I’m preparing for the possibility of feeling lethargic due to added fibro. But might be fine. I’m normally obnoxiously positive but the issue at the moment is I’m on and off angry. My mood is terrible. I’m yelling at the dogs and just **bleep**ty in general. Im doing all of this alone which is sort of my choice but theres really no one else. My kids are busy with their own families and friends all have partners. So I’m by myself. But also feel leave me alone I’m lonely. So not much fun to be around anyway. In the last 8 months I’ve had 2 knee replacements (one being stuffed up), putting my mum in a nursing home with dementia and selling her home without her knowledge. Have started a new business and Also broken off an under 12 months relationship with a narcissist. I’m going on 5 year hormone therapy after radiation. I’m concerned about mood and weight gain. Which is so trivial compared to what others are going through. It’s possibly nothing to do with diagnosis but I thought I’d reach out and check to see if anyone experienced the same. Thanks in advance.
EBRT External beam radiation therapy
Hello, I would like to ask how people found this treatment and what side effects short and long term. I have 2 lumps removed from mt right breast 12 to 3 o’clock. I have read the pros and cons and am now very nervous about having the treatment. Thanking you for any feedback.
Survivorship: The Part We Don’t Talk About — But Should
I’m 11 years post my second breast cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful every single day to still be here. I work five days a week, I show up, I contribute, and I keep moving forward. I’m proud of that. But I’ve also learned that survivorship is far more complex than anyone prepared me for. After Taxol, 5‑FU, and a DIEP flap, I now live with: permanent hair thinning, weight gain, early menopause, neuropathy, hand‑function issues, all‑over body cramping, heart failure, cataract, blocked tear ducts, damaged veins, and numbness from nerve damage. I’ve adapted. I’ve rebuilt not just physically but mentally/emotionally. I’ve learned to live in a body that’s different from the one I had before. But here’s the truth: we don’t talk about this part. Not with friends. Not with colleagues. Often not even with each other. We carry the long‑term effects quietly. We push through because that’s what survivors do. We’re grateful — deeply — but gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges. I’m sharing this to encourage honest conversations. Because survivorship is real work. Because so many of us are navigating long‑term effects in silence. Because speaking up helps others feel less alone. If any of this resonates with you, your experience is valid. We can be strong, grateful, and resilient — and still tell the truth about what survivorship really looks like.
Radiation skin changes: dimpling
Hi all, I finished radiation back in December (whole breast, 3 weeks, following lumpectomy). My skin has calmed down nicely, darker colour is fading, nipple almost matches the other. However 2 days ago I noticed a large dimple only visible when I lift my arm, in the lower part of my boob (my original scar is closer to top). I’m very aware that this can be a symptom of a tumour which is freaking me out but can also be just be skin changes following radio. Would love some reassurance from others who have perhaps had a similar dimple post radio that was just skin changes and nothing sinister. Thanks in advance, from a chronic worrier!Radiation cost
Hi everyone, I'm trying to get an idea of the cost of radiation therapy in Australia for those who do not have access to Medicare. I was diagnosed last Feb 2026, ER/PR+, Her2-, BRCA2+, 2 positive LN, and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I'll be having a bilateral mastectomy in July, followed by radiation therapy. I'm on a temporary work visa in Australia, so I don't have access to Medicare. Unfortunately, my OVHC insurance won't cover radiation treatment because it is considered outpatient care. I’m really feeling really anxious about the potential costs, and to be honest, the financial burden has made me wonder whether I can even afford to go ahead with radiation. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through radiation without Medicare coverage. How much did it cost, and were there any financial assistance programs, charities, or other support options available to help? Thank you so much for any advice or experiences you're willing to share.
Radiation with Old Implants
I am about to undergo radiation and am concerned about how this may affect my implant (approx 10 years old). I am aware that radiation can cause issues with the implant and had thought I could have a reconstruction down the track if needed, although I am now finding out that this can be tricky due to the damaged tissue. Does anyone have experience with this? I am also waiting on genetic testing which may push me down the mastectomy/reconstruction path instead (if positive) so I am wondering if this is going to be a better option.
Interoperative Radiation Therapy
Hello Everyone, I have just received my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis (in 2 years 🤔) And am scheduled for a lumpectomey mid march. This time around I am apparently a good canditate for IORT, which means no having to go to radaiton appointments for weeks and weeks. Its done durning surgery and thats it. I have been given a brouchre and am meeting with my radaition doctor next week. But would like to hear from anyone that has had this, or got any advice / good questions to ask , so I feel a bit more prepared
Starting radiation
Hello all, I will be starting radiation tomorrow. I had a complete pathological response after 6 months of chemo and a double mastectomy with complete axillary node removal and DIEP recon. But since I am young and had TNBC I was advised to have radiation to mop up strays as they say. I am terrified of radiation and always have been even more than chemo. So I would like to hear from anyone who has been through radiation. How was the experience for you? Especially if you had it to your sub-clavicular nodes (neck). Do you still have scars? skin changes? tightness?lymphoedema? Any tips or tricks? I will be having a total of 15 sessions (40Gy). Any advice or stories welcome :) Thanks.
Radiation, driving and fatigue
I was hoping to hear about any experiences of driving and fatigue while undergoing radiation. I've been told to be aware of fatigue. The radiation oncologist and nurses have raised concerns and eyebrows when I've told them it's a one hour drive door to door, so two hour round trip x 15 sessions. I'm also maintaining hope that I can continue working part time in an outdoors job where lately I'm doing 14k+ steps a day. Ultimately I'm going to see how it goes. I'm not going to break myself. If I get too tired then I have backup people to help with the driving (public transport isn't an option around here), reduce my activity at work or take leave, or get accommodation near the hospital for some of the sessions. I'm wondering if some people have got through radiation without fatigue? Or if fatigue has occurred has it affected driving? And how fast the fatigue appears - might you have been okay one morning and zonked in the afternoon?Radiotherapy after mastectomy for DCIS
Hi there, I had a mastectomy in September this year for intermediate grade DCIS, 38mm. When the histology came back it showed no margin to the skin, and only a 0.3mm margin to the chest wall. I was referred for a discussion with a radiation oncologist, who said that there is limited research in this area, and that she would be happy to treat me, or happy for me to continue with no further treatment. I'm struggling to decide what to do. I was wondering if anyone else has been in the same situation, and what helped them to make a decision?