What are the heart and lung risks from breast radiation after DCIS?

Radiation therapy for DCIS can understandably raise concerns about potential effects on nearby organs, and it's completely natural to want to understand these risks as part of making informed treatment decisions. Modern radiation techniques have significantly improved to better protect the heart and lungs, and your radiation oncologist will be able to discuss the specific approach planned for your situation, including any protective measures they'll use based on your anatomy and treatment area.

My radiologist told me the same thing as I was concerned about heart lung and my compromised thyroid. After radiation now 5 months, I have a heard time getting rid of a chest cough, and have developed a node on my thyroid and under surveillance for that. To say 💯 our other organs are safe can’t be done I don’t think. Radiation is hard on the body just like chemo but in a different way.

Look into surface guided radiation therapy. I wish I had known it existed before I went thru my radiation treatment, I would have traveled to a different hospital to do surface guided instead of the old fashioned machines.

My cancer center does offer this surface guided radiation therapy. Whew.

My radiologist recommended unscented creams used during radiation. I have a cream specificity developed for radiation treatments which I ordered in lavender scent. Why can’t I use this? I’m Angry at facing 20 radiation treatments. Surgery was fine but radiation has me a little undone.

I would assume your Dr might think scents might irritate your radiation rash. (?). My rash from radiation was bad on my chest with open blisters.

I used the radiation cream and it does help. I also put sunscreen lotion before treatments and I never got the blistering and serious burn. They also gave me cooling patches for after and that felt good as well. Good luck and trust your instincts with your self care .