Has Anyone Experienced Partial Breast Radiation After Lumpectomy?

Yes, I had 5 days of radiation aimed at the tumor’s site before its removal (my surgeon placed tiny markers during lumpectomy so they could determine the field. The skin over that area darkened very slightly 7 or 8 days after the last treatment and I think my breast was slightly swollen but it looks fine now. The horror stories of fatigue never happened to me although at 77 I haven’t been super-peppy for a while! I’m glad I made these choices.

I had a month of radiation aimed at the tumor ‘site’. I was very tired by Friday each week & my skin was burned slightly. Used Udder Cream and it cleared up well. Was able to drive myself for treatment everyday, but I slept 10 hrs nightly. The fatigue takes awhile to fade, but I am 74 and don’t mind slowing down.

Thank you both.

I had 21 rounds of radiation (whole breast). I didn’t have any fatigue like some. I was back to working full time as a nurse and would go after work. I think the working helped me, but glad to say I’m retired now! I had 4 rounds of chemo prior to that and a lumpectomy to that. On anastrozole for 6 years, but I e had enough and next visit (July) I’m telling my oncologist I’m done with it! I really want my pain free body back!

I had lumpectomy. Then needed to wait 2 months to heal then had 5 days radiation (every other day) no issues left for Disney the next day. Just red but went away.

Yes I had five days of radiation. The only side effect was some occasional nerve pain. I applied calendula cream immediately after treatment which I think helped my skin.

I also did 5 days of partial breast radiation about 2 months after my lumpectomy. I did experience fatigue but just took a short nap in the early afternoon. Kept up with my 5 mile walks which helped with head space. I used calendula cream after every treatment and had no burns or discoloration from the radiation. Give yourself grace to process it as it comes.

No i haven't got there jet

Small tumor. Lumpectomy. Targeted radiation. 5 fractions over 10 days. A little swelling. Think I took Ibuprofen twice. No side other effects. Was back in the gym a week later. Was advised to massage breast 2 min every day to avoid scar tissue from surgery and/or radiation from forming…still doing that, as advised.

Hi Wendy, I had targeted radiation 6 sessions after lumpectomy.. I was told to apply Aquaphor Ointment immediately after each treatment before I got dressed to leave.. In fact they gave me samples to try. I had no trouble at all ! There was a slight shadowing but it disappeared. I was a tiny bit tired but that stopped. I’m having more issues with weight gain from Letrozole. Radiation Oncologist suggested partial radiation because full breast radiation also kills a lot of healthy cells too. Best to you and God Bless, Diane

Yes, I had 5 days of radiation after my lumpectomy. I was lucky that they could do it without damage to my pacemaker or they would have had to move it to my other side before radiation. I had some itching and used Lubriderm lotion for two weeks after radiation. I did have some fatigue. My only side effects I am still dealing with is an inverted nipple. The skin of it feels a bit tougher and it itched more then the rest of my breast. I just had a follow up and was told it may come back out or may not. Time will tell. I hope your process goes well, remember to take good care of yourself 🌸🌸

Hi Rhoda! Finished 3 treatments just this week of this type of radiation therapy. I haven’t had any side effects other than the fatigue which is to be expected with any kind of radiation. I would choose this again if given the same options having gone through this. I wish you well!!

Stay hydrated. Yes, I did 5 days at the tumor area. I was already fatigue and tired 3 days after the 1st day of radiation treatments. I didn't experience any sunburn, skin irritation, or rash.

Just finished radiation after lumpectomy. I did and still do have fatigue. “Sunburn” to area- redness then dark pigmentation. There were times that I felt some stinging sensation also.

Thank you all for posting. I am planning partial breast radiation after a lumpectomy. (In a few weeks.) This is exactly the information I have been looking for! I was driving myself crazy.

I just finished a three week radiology treatment after a lumpectomy. It was very targeted and I only had one day where I felt tired. Now I'm almost back to 100% and am starting a five-year course of Tamoxifen. I'm back in the pool (it's nice to have an alternative to my treadmill).

Sandra - yes to the 🏊 pool!!!

Partial breast radiation is a treatment option that many people in this community have navigated, and it's completely natural to want to hear from others about their experiences with side effects and recovery. Each person's journey with radiation treatment can be different, so connecting with others who've been through similar procedures can provide valuable insights and support. Hopefully, some community members will share their experiences to help answer your questions about this treatment approach.