What to expect from extensive breast radiation with lymphovascular invasion?

It's completely understandable to feel scared about extensive radiation treatment, especially when it involves multiple areas. Many community members have shared similar experiences with radiation to the breast, lymph nodes, and surrounding areas, and while side effects can vary from person to person, radiation teams are very experienced in helping patients manage any symptoms that may arise. Consider reaching out to others in this community who may have gone through similar treatment plans - their firsthand experiences and tips for managing the treatment period could be incredibly valuable as you navigate this next step.

I had 26 radiation treatments. My side effects were minimal. The fatigue is real. But as long as you take good care of your skin during the treatments, you should be fine.

Thank you! I have been worried especially about the underarm area, since I still work full-time and it is my right side and I am right handed.

I worked full time during my radiation treatments. I was able to schedule an afternoon appointment so that I could just stop at the hospital on my way home. The underarm area was a little bit sensitive after a while, but not unbearable. I used a little armpit pillow that I bought for my DMX as 2 lymph nodes were involved. I used it during the day. Fits in your bra and keeps the pressure off of the area. Switch to a spray deodorant (i used naked) so that you're not rubbing the area. I used cereve and Aquaphor (and was good about apllying and massaging multiple times a day)and only got a mild rash near the end. I went on vacation 2 months after and had no issues with easily burning (i am always diligent about sunscreen). I am currently 4 months out from my last radiation treatment and have some minor discoloration of the underarm area (looks more tan than the rest of me), but it's so minor that others can't tell. You will need to continue to moisturize and massage the area for 6 months after as the radiation can continue to affect the area that long. And keep exercising as much as possible so that the area doesn't tighten up. You got this!

Thank you for this information!! I needed to hear all of that!!!!

I’m not understanding why such a radical treatment I too have had lymphovascular invasion plus one positive sentinel node The only radiation was in the lymph node area under the arm and the breast. The doctors on my team told me not to worry about lymphovascular invasion. Am I getting the wrong treatment?

I don't know. My doctor showed me the printed guidelines that was what she was going by in my particular case. So, I trust the guidelines. Yours may be different in some way.

Good luck to you Shari idk. Every dr has a different remedy. I was told extra radiation under the arm and on breast was sufficient sometimes I wonder if they even know what the answer is my radiologist oncologist told me she wasn’t doing an all over radiation treatment. Because she didn’t think it was necessary although I did have one positive sentinel node and they didn’t look for any more. I’m 68 I was 67 when I was diagnosed so I don’t know maybe it’ll pop up one of these days, not sure I try to keep a positive attitude And not think about it. Onco score was 14. With a 3 % reoccurrence in 5 years. I’m also on Letrozole

I am 62 willbe 63 in about 2 weeks. I will be going on a hormone blockers when radiation is done. Good luck to you as well!! Hopefully our doctors are correct in their treatments.

I had similar tumors. I had cancer in both breast's and lymph nodes in my arm pits. 26 rounds for you is minimal. It takes about 20 minutes and most of that time is the machine moving and them requesting to breath and hold your breath. I'm only a week in and doing well (Thank God). Be thankful you didn't have chemotherapy. Omg, that's the worst.

I had micromatises in sentinel node but Surgeon said after that no more surgery all they did was radiation on the remaining area of under the arm that sometimes is worrisome to me the oncologist said highly unlikely I had any cancer in any other lymph nodes but they still didn’t check. So I just follow along with what they tell me I was 67 at the time so I think the thinking was no need for surgery. It was a surprise to all of us there was anything in that sentinel node, I didn’t have any clinical signs of lymph node cancer sometimes breast cancer can be very sneaky.