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Radiation experiences

First post and replies | Last post by Iamasurvivor, 1 year ago

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I have breast cancer and recently completed chemotherapy. I have surgery for a lumpectomy in a couple weeks. Following that I will have radiation therapy. I would like to hear from anyone who has had breast cancer radiation to know what to expect as far as side effects and how it compares to chemotherapy side effects. I’m told I will have 16 to 23 treatments, that will be 5 days a week Monday through Friday so it will last about a month. Thanks for your input.

By Lms7663 1 year ago
Hello! I did radiation. Side effects was fatigue mainly. I did chemo and double mastectomy first so it might of been a culmination of that as well or the fact it was everyday. I did not have skin irritation until later and was given sulvatine to help, but I was allergic to it and did not know. I just kep putting more on thinking it was getting worse. I am allergic to sulfa and they said it would be fine, but did not put it together until someone said her doc would not prescribe it due to that. I was just mainly worn out. Not ill or anyt...

By Kpitzer02 1 year ago
Many side effects can be effectively managed with the right tools and knowledge. I am very fair skinned and worried a lot about "burning". Tips to avoid that are to go home if you can and immediately undress the breast area. Letting it "breathe" from clothing and put on whatever ointment/lotion is recommended to you if needed. Also, when you do cover it, try to use a soft cotton that will allow it to breathe as well and avoid bras while healing as they tend to hold in the heat. You can also apply cool (no ice) damp compress or take a cool ...

By Buttercup 1 year ago
Sounds like you are having a similar treatment plan to mine. I did chemo, surgery (lumpectomy), and then 21 days of radiation and 1 year of target therapy (herceptin). I would tell you, in my opinion, the radiation was the easiest part of my treatment. Even though you go daily (Mon-Fri) the appointment is very quick and I did not experience any significant side effects. A lot of people are very tired from it, but I was not. I remained active during the entire radiation treatment. I drove myself there most days although family accompanied m...

By Iamasurvi... 1 year ago
Hello - my radiation was 15 years ago but I'm happy to help with a response. I'd say the biggest side effect is fatigue. I remember I worked in S Overland Park and had to drive 25 minutes to my radiation center where my "zapping" would be maybe 7 minutes total. That was my Mental Fatigue (and irritation) but once I drove the 10 min drive home, I was exhausted as if I'd just run a marathon. It would wipe me out for a good 1-2 hour nap. I am Latina but fairly light-skinned so I did get very red around my upper chest and neck area - I was also irr...

By YoliV5590 1 year ago
@yoliv5590 Did you know that you can get your radiation alignment tattoos removed for free? Rajeunir Medical Spas will take care of that for you at any of their three area locations—Lee’s Summit, North of the River or South Overland Park. It takes several sessions, so there’s that, but at least it doesn’t cost anything!

By janedoe7 1 year ago
@janedoe7 I did not know that! Have you done it or know of anybody that did and how did it look post procedure to remove them? That’s so awesome they will do it for free. Wondering if I should leave them as battle scars (not very noticeable anyway) or remove them…..

By Iamasurvi... 1 year ago
I forgot to say, I ended up buying non stick dressing to put in my bra to make sure my lotion would not stick. I don't remember what I applied, but I did it daily and I think that helped.

By Kpitzer02 1 year ago
@iamasurvivor No, I actually didn’t have tattoos. They made a mold of my torso for me to lie in each time. (That’s just how they did alignment there.)

By janedoe7 1 year ago
@janedoe7 that’s great!

By Iamasurvi... 1 year ago
@kpiitzer02 Thanks for the heads up.

By Lms7663 1 year ago
@buttercup Great advise. I will make note of the great suggestions.

By Lms7663 1 year ago
@iamasurvivor That is great to hear. I hope I have a similar experience.

By Lms7663 1 year ago
I once had a counselor that gave me "food for thought". Scars/Tattoos/Changes in body shape, even function or parts missing and emotional and physical impact can become part of our "jigsaw" of life. Not many go thru a longer life without something that is impactful. During both of my breast events I had young kids - a girl 6, boy 8, boy 10, and girl 12/ then 2nd round they were 12, 14, 16, and 18. It all impacted the girls much more than the boys because they both went from flat to 36C at age 12 in just a few months during my diagnosis'! ...

By Buttercup 1 year ago
Beautifully written and so true!

By Iamasurvi... 1 year ago
@buttercup beautifully written and so true!

By Iamasurvi... 1 year ago
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Radiation and pain

First post and replies | Last post by Buttercup, 1 year ago

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First post and replies | Last post by User2008, 1 year ago

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This is a new adventure

First post and replies | Last post by dld, 1 year ago

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Hurry up and wait 🙁

First post and replies | Last post by Kpitzer02, 1 year ago

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Side effects of Letrozole

First post and replies | Last post by Debi, 1 year ago

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First post and replies | Last post by summers72983, 1 year ago

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My Cancer Journey As Mom

First post and replies | Last post by thilner2015, 1 year ago

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HER2 Triple Positive Breast Cancer My husband I just sat our 9-year-old down and told her. We explained what would happen and what toexpect during my treatment. We tried to mentally prepare for my change in appearance as well. Idecided the one thing I could control was to get ahead of my hair falling out, so when it started to fallout I had my husband and daughter help me shave my head.My husband had to take over cleaning, cooking, soccer practice, and friends had to drive my daughter toschool.My support system has always been wonderful. ...

By thilner20... 1 year ago

First post and replies | Last post by janedoe7, 1 year ago

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