What to Expect from Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment

I have similar concerns and questions about needing hormone blockers. I hope someone responds.

Hi Cassandra, I was diagnosed on July 14 , 2023 with stage 1 breast cancer, Her2 with positive estrogen as well. I have my surgery September 29th, after having surgery my oncologist removed as the cancer cells in my left breast and 3 lymph nodes in my right breast. The size of the tumor that was removed was bigger than 1st diagnosed, now Stage 2. So now chemotherapy and radiation were the treatments plans. Chemo was terrible for me , couldn’t handle the 6 treatments, opted for 3. After chemo, I did radiation for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. My left breast blackened due to the radiation. The only side effect was fatigue. My breast is still a little discolored from the treatment but I can deal with that.I started my radiation in March , finished in April. I hope this answered some of your concerns

First Hello! You may feel tired/fatigued. Please please please drink water. Your skin may get red. My healing was over time and I managed my health both holistically and traditionally. Please tell me the name of the pill? You got this! Please stay positive and know you are on a purposeful journey.

I was first diagnosed with stage 2 then stage 3 BC because of the size. During my CT full body Nuclear scan and MRI the cancer did not spread nor was in my Lymph nodes. The scans were in late Jan of this year. I then had surgery in April. Bilateral Mastectomy was done and expanders was placed. They pulled 7 lymph nodes and 4 were positive. When radiation was my first treatment they are now saying chemo to lessen the chance of it coming back. My cancer was strongly receptive to my Estrogen at 100% and progesterone at 35%. I’m a bit disappointed in the doctors because they do not tell you anything unless you ask but most people are not aware what to expect. I do not have HeR2 nor Metastasis. I still do not know what to expect. I will have chemo within a week for 5 months and then radiation afterwards. Why so much? How does this work?

Have you had blood work done to tell you the advantage/ effectiveness of chemo? If not, I would highly encourage you to get that. My test showed only a 2 percent benefit. So no chemo for me. It would have been a total waste to do chemo with that low of a benefit. Ask your doctor

My concerns are similar too. Honestly I’m a little scared to start chemo on the 18th.

Get some Sour Soup Tea Elixir. It attacks cancer cells that may be forming are within your Lymph nodes. I was told no chemo needed but after surgery they tested my Lymph nodes and found 4 cancerous out of 11.

I’m confused. I thought you didn’t need radiation if you had a mastectomy. They recommend chemo no radiation. Curious as to why you’re getting radiation treatment.

I understand the reason for the radiation, due to the positive lymph nodes.

I’m wondering that too. Same cancer and oncology score as you. Had lumpectomy and now on last week of radiation (3 weeks total) then supposed to start the pills. But I have osteoporosis and just met with my PCP and will start Fosomax to treat that. But those pills deplete bones so I don’t want to take them. Am going to try to survive this thru diet and exercise. Wish there were people here who refused the pills and let us know how it’s going.

In 2002, I had BCIIb, lumpectomy, radiation and chemo at the same time. Afterwards I did pills for 5 years.. I had yearly mammograms. In 2016, I was diagnosed with MBC in lymph nodes and most of my bones. 8+ years now, I'll be on chemo the rest of my life or until I decide to stop and die. I've put up with nausea, hot flashes, bone pain, diarrhea, exhaustion, hair loss and more. I am happy and thankful that I am alive. Statistically, most of you will survive 5 years. So, I've survived 10 years with no worries, 13 years no worries. At 14 years, I told my oncologist I wanted at least 10 more years. She couldn't promise me that. But, I know now I will make it to 10+ years. I have no more worries, I love my life, I love you, too.

Hi Ladies, I have been taking Anastrozole for about 3 years and before that Tamoxifen for two years. I'm in the gym with a trainer 5 to 6 days a week to combat the side effects. I'm also a retired 100% disabled veteran, so, I am dealing with pain on an additional level. I had DCIS in 2016 and Breast Cancer Stage in 2019. I had lumpectomies and radiation both times. All I can contribute to the conversation, you will feel so much better when you workout.

Stage 2 triple positive (estrogen 100%, progesterone, 50%, HER2). I was 46 when diagnosed. Chemo Jul-Oct '22. Mastectomy Nov '22. I highly recommend acupunture to help with side effects of treatment. I started through a grant program offered through my care team. I didnt get to start until halfway through chemo and DEFINITELY noticed an improvement. I did not need radiation due to negative lymph nodes, but had residual disease in my breast after mastectomy. So TDM1 for 10 months (finished Oct 23) + Tamoxifen started. Given my high hormone positivity and that high hormone breast cancer tends to recur late ( 10, 15, even 20 years), I will stay on Tamoxifen as long as needed. I also am on Neratnib oral pills, a one year treatment- done in January. Acupuncture, nutrition and exercise have been necessary for me. I highly recommend! I also recommend sharing what you learn through this app with your care team. It has helped in decision with my oncologist. Hope for the best for all of you!! 💛💛

Just started my hormone blocker (anastolzole) waiting to see if I have side affects. Did stop drinking any alcohol, alcohol increases estrogen,so not doing that anymore.

My last chemo is this week then I’ve been told I’ll be put on hormone blockers. Not sure yet what kind so interested in finding out effects

I was diagnosed with TNBC Stage III after I found a lump in my right breast, and it hurt and was growing fast. One year ago, Oct 2023, I had a double mastectomy. Then I did chemo, and once that was finished, radiation. I was good at least 3 days after chemo, then I would feel awful. Nausea, my bones hurt like heck. That would last about 3 days. After chemo I radiation. I used aquaphora on my skin every single day. My skin got very dark, which I was told that would happen. Use the aquaphora before, during, and after radiation, faithfully. Bottom line, you got this gurl. It all seems scary cause it is. You can handle it. It doesn't hurt. Just eat even if it's a slice of bread and drink plenty of water. I'm praying and routing for you sis.💜💋

Radiation treatment can affect people differently, and it's completely natural to want to understand what to expect as you move forward with your care. Many community members find that connecting with others who share similar experiences and backgrounds can provide valuable insights and support during treatment. The questions about treatment options and medications are important ones to discuss thoroughly with your oncology team, as they can provide guidance based on your specific diagnosis and circumstances. This community is here to support you as you navigate these decisions and gather the information you need to feel confident in your care plan.