What to expect during radiation therapy after breast lumpectomy?

Hi Emily my name is Mary and too have cancer. 13 yrs. ago I went through chemo and radiation. I ended up with 2nd degree burns on my chest. All I remember was that I was miserable. Eventually it went away and fortunately I was in remission for 8 yrs. Now they found another tumor on my spineT7 and of course it was malignant. So for trying to get rid of it I went back for more radiation. This time it burned my esophagus so bad I could hardly drink or eat for 2 mons. That’s when I decided no more radiation. They I’m doing a form of chemo and immunotherapy. Which is really helping with my back pain. That’s my story! So please keep in touch and let me know how u are doing. Mary❤️

It's completely natural to feel nervous about starting radiation therapy, and reaching out to this supportive community shows great strength. Many community members have walked this path and often share that radiation treatments typically become routine fairly quickly, with most sessions lasting just a few minutes each day. The experiences and practical tips from others who have completed radiation after breast-conserving surgery can be incredibly valuable as you prepare for this next step in your treatment journey.

Hi Emily. I had breast cancer in 2009 and again in October 2025. Radiation both times. I just finish last week. 30 sessions in 2009 and 15 in 2025. Each session took about 15 minutes and luckily I had no trouble either time. The Dr and nurses checked in with me at least once a week to make sure my skin was ok. There were always there before and after sessions if I had any questions. I highly recommend https://www.amazon.com/GENERIC-Biiafine-186g-Cream/dp/B0G4BC541K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_pp?crid=1T35KG2380G50&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iHfU8bxOJ0i_E-bKRvbr5rXwK4qqlY88e6_3HdL9cRNiIAETvCEaBlRpacQwsF-NEdIYLn9Hqsh5nYEWaMJkWyJxFrKPx74OkpNyHJYkZI9Eo8WEeXGPmctM3v7SNkNdLVlgVKFIZ6tQu_V1veanIySh-2M2R8d6PziUZFu8DPXwBgtxHrFKuD3g6e6QeME3.bJVGza93yPfe7DQ8dB6vGtcQ0fmwsFJ8a7Uk6C8tQbg&dib_tag=se&keywords=cream&qid=1769637712&sprefix=cream%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-1 It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy but works well to keep the skin moisturized. I didn’t order it until midway through treatment but I suggest ordering it now. Don’t be scared, you’re in good hands. Good luck!

I would add, you change (top only) into a gown and are called into the radiation room. The session takes a short time and then you are done. You will have an introductory session where they mark the locations for the radiation beam with tattoo dots. Nothing painful. The technician will lay out all the procedures and answer any questions. You’ll be surprised how fast it all is.

I had a month of radiation. It wasn’t too bad, i did get redness and skin darkening the last days. They gave me a cream called miaderm with lidocaine which helped. It healed fast. I never got the fatigue some people get

U’re lucky I had radiation twice. The first I had degree burns on my chest and now this last time it burned my esophagus to the extend that it took almost 2 mons. before I could eat. But somehow we seem to get through it. Unfortunately it is what it is and we just have to try to survive whatever is thrown our way. Stay well and be safe. Mary❤️

You too Mary

I had 5 sessions of targeted radiation. I had no symptoms, no burning, etc. I understand everyone is different. Overall, I think the team chose made a difference…I believe I was blessed with an expert team…surgeon, radiologist, oncologist and physical therapist. Actually, as I write this, today is the 1-year anniversary of my last radiation session and last PT session.

I had radiation after a mastectomy; fatigue was the eorst symptom. Minor ‘sunburn’

I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. I had a little redness and a little dryness. I experienced mild fatigue. There are changes to your breast tissue after. Pores are a little larger and the tissue feels more dense. All very tolerable and well worth the peace of mind the radiation gave me. Good luck to you.

After 6 chemo sessions and a lumpectomy which showed I had a complete response (no cancer cells), I opted to get 15 targeted radiation treatments for peace of mind. I was usually in and out quickly each day and the only “stress” was holding my breath long enough to raise the breast tissue up and away from my heart, lungs and ribs. I did not experience fatigue and I had mild sunburn-like redness after the first 10 sessions. The recommended creams helped. It’s been 5 months since the last treatment and I really can’t tell much change or after effect to my breast. I’m just thrilled to be almost complete with immunotherapy. I will pray for you to have a good experience with no lingering effects.

I had radiation after a breast lumpectomy O

I also had radiation therapy after a lumpectomy too and had no problems- during or after treatment (5)

I had a lumpectomy and 17 radiation treatments. Some dryness and slight burning of the skin but no fatigue. Basically it was a breeze. Good luck!!

One more thing - get yourself a soft cotton bra with NO UNDERWIRE or just skip the bra entirely and do something like multiple tank tops under yr shirt or thick loose sweater

I had a lumpectamy set 2025. Radiation for 5 visits.i had stage 1 grade 1. Only 5.no effects that were noticeable.I 'm 80 ; I dance & workout in gym. I think every person has a diff cancer.mine was estrogen positive so now I take the pill Letrozole to not allow estrogen bond w any possible cancer cell in body.Sometimes in morn it's only been 8 days..but I hv diahrea.

I had a lumpectomy stage 1 grade 2 and they recommended 5 days of radiation only partial breast. It’s really protocol. The only problem is it really left a scar on the lumpectomy area. My scar was barely visible when I started radiation but now the scar is bigger. Just make sure u really need the radiation find out if u can skip it. They told me they took the whole tumor out during the biopsy so I did have lumpectomy but for the life of me I don’t know why I needed radiation. It’s protocol that’s all it is. I am also taking Exemestane to take all the estrogen out of my body.

Hi Emily My name is Charleen I had a lumpectomy in November 2025 and had radiation 16 consecutive days, excluding Saturday and Sunday. The 2 techs I had were amazing I went in the first day feeling scared not sure what to expect and they saw it in my face and they walk through the whole process with me and what was really cool is my two texts were guys and they probably were in their 30s, so my suggestion to you is that once you go to your first radiation you explain to them how nervous and scared you are and you’re more than welcome to ask me any more questions cause I’m really new to this whole thing and I actually I’m feeling really good. The only downer is is the one breast that had cancer in it has a tan in my other breast doesn’t from the radiation lol ❤️❤️❤️❤️ don’t be scared to ask others

I had a lumpectomy in July 18, 2025 followed by 15 whole breast radiation treatments and 4 booster treatments to the tumor bed in September 2026. It was a very easy process for me. Had mild discoloration of the breast. (Like a weird tan?!) No pain, fatigue, or discomfort. I continued daily exercise workouts all through the whole think. Easy Peasy!

I had 20 radiation sessions post lumpectomy. I moisturized religiously and only had discomfort at the end and mostly a week or 2 after. It was crispy and tender but I kept working (teaching) and working out the whole time. You can do it! Only thing is I am still a bit tanner on that breast and the skin won’t take those scaraway bandages to keep my lumpectomy scars fading. They fall off rather quickly. I am about 10 months post radiation.

Charlene

Do I know you Debbie P

No

Check out brachytherapy; a form of radiation that does not burn your skin and lasts only a week, and you go twice a day.

I was extremely nervous too! I didn’t want it going to my lymph nodes! The Dr assured me it would not affect them that the technology is so much better today! They gave me this routine to shower and put a cream on 3 hours before each session , I had some burning but not bad! I had my last session Friday Feb6,2026 I get tired but I am mobile and can do everything I wan! I return to the radiologist in one month for an evaluation! I had 2 surgeries to rid my boob of the cancer unfortunately they could not save my nipple and the cancer boob is more like a blob. However?in time my plastic surgeon said not to worry that he could fix it! My cancer was stage 0 ,grade3 very aggressive! So radiation was highly recommended ! A good note is on your breathing while having the radiation they can stop the machine and start it again if u have trouble holding your breath. Good Luck be positive you’ll do great!