Seeking Advice for Upcoming Radiation Therapy

Have you met with the radiation oncologist yet. They should give you some helpful information. Keep in mind that we are all different. My biggest side effect was extreme fatigue by the end. After the first week or two, my breast felt hot. I used a cooling towel under my breast in the crease to help keep the crease from getting sore. Mine was on the right. There are some other things required if it is your right breast.

Mines is on the left side with lymph nodes removed. I'll see my radiation oncologist on Tuesday. Thank you for your response 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

Glenda, what is required if the right breast is involved?

Willie, I hope things are going well. I'm waiting for surgery and then will have radiation also. Good luck.

Glenda, good tip for cooling towel. Thanks

I just found out this week that I'll have to have chemotherapy before radiation therapy... not sure how to feel 😕

What is tou onco score?

Georgia B. Left side is more challenging. Mine was right side. I had several catscans. They made a special pillow so my arms were in the same position each time. I have 6 tiny tattoos to line up the radiation beam so it is the same each time.

I think it's a 40

Did they suggest chemotherapy? Thats what I got. 4 rounds. I finally finished. It felt like forever! I hated that! Now it’s radiation time. You do things one by one. Don’t jump. Just always be positive. It helps. No matter what. I’m not saying it’s fun-but if u don’t think positive things have a way of not going well. You’ll also have shots of vitamin A and things between secessions.

Melody W, yes, I'm going to have 4 rounds of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation. It's all the time in between that's nerve-wracking. Did you loose your hair, if you don't mind me asking?

I did 4 rounds of Chemo and 6 weeks of Radiation. For Rad treatment put lots of heavy lotion on the area for a week to ten days before your first treatment. .. And then between each treatment. I used Aquafir. It's greasy and stained my clothes but it really worked. You will also want an anti itch cream. I used CeraVe itch relief cream and a hydrocortisone cream. Treatment goes by fast and it feels good to know you are making any cancer cells that might be lingering are meeting their death. Also, it wasn't near as bad as I imagined it would be. Wear loose clothes. I wore oversized cropped tank tops for a bra and big button down shirts. Sending love and prayers.

I asked questions when my radiation specialist went over the process, explaining what I would experience during my radiation treatments. I had 35 consective treatments, which lasted 4 to 5 minutes. The last 4 treatments were strongest. During radiation treatment, i felt nothing. I experienced a small red irritation under my breast and the doctor prescribed a burn crea called SSD which cleared it up in a few days. Afte effects, I was tired and slept after treatments. Sometimes I was not hungry but ate something light. All my treatments were in 2022, age 73. I am currently regaining my strength from both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I also experienced chemo brain fog and neuropathy in my hands and feet. I pray some of your questions are answered 🙏

Willie: I’m just had my 11th treatment and will be done next week at 15 treatments. Tired, and breasts are tender and feel hot. My doc uses Mepitel Film. It is applied to your breast and it helps protect the integrity of the skin. I did the research, and actually changed docs because she didn’t want to use it, and my new doc believes in it so much he buys it himself for his patients and the nurses apply it and do any touch ups along the way. You’ll be fine. Hang in there and it will be over before you know it. Rest, rest,rest 👍😊

It's completely natural to feel nervous about radiation therapy - many people in this community have shared similar feelings before starting this phase of treatment. Radiation is a common and well-established part of breast cancer care, and the medical team will guide you through each step while monitoring how you're doing. Consider asking your radiation oncologist about what to expect day-to-day, any skin care recommendations they suggest, and practical tips for managing your schedule during treatment.