What Should I Expect from Breast Radiation Treatment?

I too start soon. Alignment scheduled for tomorrow. Double mastectomy and reconstruction. All done with chemo. 16 radiation treatments and I'm on to maintenance mode. I'm told to expect to feel some fatigue. Keeping moisturized is key from what I hear. But I'm curious to see what others say.

I have also been told about the fatigue, as far as moisturizing my daughter and triple -7 years ago and is fine. She also talked about moisturizing and she used CBD cream. Another friend used Udder cream. And yet another friend used tucks pads. I will keep trying everything above till I find the one that suits me. I have also been told that the cream that they give you is not effective so you have to think outside the box I’m going to start with the three I mentioned above let’s keep in touch and compare notes Carole

Carole, I finished 15 radiation treatments a month ago and was given preventative care of a Mometasone cortisone cream and to also use Aquaphor ultra healing ointment at least twice each day. This preventative care helped me, as radiation followed nearly a year of chemo and 2 surgeries. I did end up with the common radiation burn rash with minor blisters and skin peeling, but that was apparent about a week after completing the radiation. From the beginning, I felt the burning, but the rash didn’t come until later. I was instructed to continue the creams and now my skin is clean and healed. I have implants and see plastics soon, but everything seems okay. Honestly, I mainly feared implant damage as my mastectomies and skin and nipple sparing saline implants reconstruction was done at the same time a year prior. I also fear arm lymphedema but I’m good so far, as I had a total of 4 axillary nodes removed between the 2 surgeries. The oncology radiologist will examine you carefully and advise any needs. Best wishes. 🙏

Just had first 4 of 25 radiation treatments- (following partial mastectomy and 4 lymph nodes removed- all negative for cancer) - was given aloe Vera lotion from radiation PA- told to generously slather it on breast, underarm, shoulder and neck area up to 4 times a day. So far no burning but am experiencing diarrhea and nausea. Hoping the next 21 treatments go well.

It’s a journey for sure. It’s good to share and ladies I wish us all good results.

I had intermediate grade DCIS, treated with 4 weeks of radiation and remain on endocrine therapy. My rad oncologist prescribed mometasone to use immediately after each treatment and i used a calendula cream in evenings. Got the sunburn rash and skin darkening the last week. The nurse gave me miaderm cream with lidocaine. Rash lasted about a week; i still have darker skin under my breast. I never got the fatigue they warned me about. Not a terrible experience all in all.

Thankyou not scared of the radiation really and will deal with the burns etc but terrified and I do mean terrified of tamoxifen

I never took tamoxifen. I am post menopausal so i was put on an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. My side effects are manageable but i have had some. Now it’s mainly hot flashes and joint pain. I take more Tylenol than i want to take.

I have DCIS stage 0. Had 2 lumpectomies, 16 radiation treatments and am now on Tamoxifen I was super scared of Tamoxifen but my oncologist gave me a low dose. I get hot flashes and the first week I had crazy hives but they disappeared on their own.

Same DCIS stage 0 high grade 7 mm Had lumpectomy And just had radiation number 3 Got a little nasue and heartburn is that normal?

Jane C how low is the dose ? My Doc says it 10 mg every other day

DCIS stage O grade 2. 4mm. Lumpectomy. Just finished 5 APBI treatments. No issues. But one week later I “feel” my breast and felt some discomfort on the left side of my face. Maybe nothing but I am acutely aware of EVERYTHING.

I had exactly what you had Carole. Radiation was not bad. Not painful until the last few treatments. Area felt like a bad sunburn. My doctors never ordered any creams. I tried all types of moisturizing creams but what worked for me was aloe straight from the plant. I broke a piece off and applied the liquid to the burn. Worked when nothing else I tried did.

Had 2 radiations so far today is day 3. Last night lying down felt as if my “boob” was alive for a little while. Then it settled down and I slept well However it is a teeny bit tender.

Aloe plant on the shopping list !!!

I'm on my 17th radiation treatment. I started blistering about the 12th treatment. They are very small blisters and itchy. Dr. Gave me some antibiotic cream. Under my arm looks like it's sunburnt.Get some cream for moisturizing. They have some that are special for radiation burns.

Thanks Beverly S

This has been helpful to read. I started radiation therapy today and will have 18 more. I’m so scared of the blisters and they’re targeting the nipple as well. :( I was told to use fractionated coconut oil morning and night.

Carole same diagnosis here. However after post op my doctor said some cancer leaked out of my milk duct but it was very very small. So I had to go for sentinel biopsy just to make sure it didn’t spread. Thank God it didn’t. I just finished 20 rounds of radiation this past Tuesday, rang bell, got certificate lol. As for me the biggest side effect is exhaustion. Keep applying cream on chest. I used aquafor with lidocaine. Fatigue gradually increased after a week. At times I felt nauseous afterwards but that quickly passed.

Radiation treatment is a common and important part of breast cancer care, and it's completely natural to want to know what lies ahead. Many community members have shared that experiences can vary from person to person, but connecting with others who've been through similar treatments can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Consider reaching out to fellow members here who may have gone through radiation therapy - their firsthand experiences and practical tips could help you feel more prepared and less anxious about the upcoming weeks.