Does radiation after breast surgery make you sick?

I had four weeks of radiation 5 days a week. I had skin irritation but not terrible. That was it. Talk to your radiation oncologist about what you can do to Minimize side effects. They gave me a steroid cream that helped.

Thanks

I was also wondering about the fact that I am a care hive for my husband who has 2 different cancers a diabetic and a supra pubic catheter who is a paralyzed bilateral ampetee do I need to place him while I recover?

I am a caregiver for my adult autistic son. He doesn’t have as many medical needs as your husband but he can be a handful behaviorally. I did not have a problem caring for him and myself. I did not have the fatigue they say you can get. You might be able to handle it unless you get very fatigued. Can you get home care for him a few hours a day? Also, after my radiation was completed, i caught two bad colds in the next three months. I wonder if my immunity was compromised.

Had four weeks of radiation 5 days a week whole breast with 5 boost treatments at the end. 7:00a appointments, then went to work. Skincare is very important so make sure to use Aquaphor or whatever they recommend. Stay hydrated. Comfortable , seamless bra is also good idea.

Radiation side effects can vary quite a bit from person to person, with some experiencing fatigue and skin irritation while others have minimal symptoms. The community members here have valuable firsthand experiences to share, so hopefully others will chime in with their stories to help you know what to expect.

Hi Elaine. I had 19 radiation treatments after a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy. I had minimal side affects from radiation. I was very diligent in using the prescribed cream and additional moisturizers. Aside from slight temporary skin discoloration and some days of fatigue, it went very smoothly. I wish you the same!!

I had nothing, I applied Dermaka twice a day 5 days prior and after. I also applied Proheal from IS clinical. It has studies on how it works on radiation patients. It's expensive but worth it.

I had 5 days of radiation following partial mastectomy plus an extra surgery for internal bleeding at the surgical site. I drove to and from the radiation appointments and felt extra tired the 4th day. My skin leaked and felt like a sunburn and faded soon to a brownish spot over the surgical field. I’m not sure I could have handled the cares that you are giving. Home health aide for several days would be a great idea.

Hi Elaine. I’m half-way through my 25 radiation treatments. I’m tired and my breast and underarm are hot and swollen, and nipple is very sensitive. Follow your doctor’s instructions about applying lotion (I use Calendula), it will definitely help. Wear a soft non-underwire bra. Other than these side effects, I haven’t been “sick” at all and, while uncomfortable, the side effects are tolerable. Communication with your care team is really important, they’ve seen it all and will have suggestions how to help with your side effects.

I was so sick with my radiation my skin was so irritated and itchy I was giving cream and some medicine for my skin this being one year ago but I still had the itchy skin I take medication for that

Just finished 15 days of radiation. Burning. Ask them for cream.

I had radiation 18 times everyday except weekends. I did really good. No side effects. Did not get sick. I got a little red but had no pain or bad burning from it. I used a cream everyday after radiation and it really helped. I'm so thankful that God answered prayers for me. Praying all goes great with you.

I worked full time during radiation and traveled to new york after work. Except for the traffic I was fine

I had six and a half weeks of radiation (no chemo) and experienced mild skin irritation and a little fatigue.

Radiation didn’t make me sick, but it will make you very tired.

Not sick at all. Just know that if you ever want reconstruction, radiation messes that up.

I’m on week 4 of radiation of my 5 week plan and I get chemo once a week for stage three esophageal cancer. Up until this week I was doing ok but now I’m having difficulties eating and drinkingand I’m so tired! I’m getting a hydration infusion and hoping that will help. I have an itchy rash going up and down my spine from radiation. The dr. ordered a cream which helped so much. Good luck and positive vibes!

In 2014 I had SCLC, 2017 I had breast cancer and now I have NSCLC. 2014 I had 40 rounds of radiation plus Chemo, 2017 a Mastictomy. Now this, and all on my left side. Radiation Oncologist said he won't treat me. He recommends surgery. I am 62. Surgery could leave me on oxygen. I ride horses for my living. Cancer sucks!

I had a lumpectomy on June 16th. I was a little sore but nothing major. I had 19 radiation treatments. I had no problems. Just got tired of getting up and going. They did not start mine immediately after surgery. Had to wait about 6 weeks. I did not turn red or anything after my treatments until the last 2. Did not hurt. Just a little peeling under my arm. They will give you a script for a cream. Everytime you think about it put it on your breast. That is a wonderful cream. I put it on my breast several times a day. That helps with the skin not getting burnt and staying soft. Dr. Condra was my cancer doctor at Mission Outpatient Center. She was great and I tried to do everything she said to do. The staff at Mission Cancer Center was unbelievable nice and friendly. They cared about me getting better. Hope that is where you go. At the end don't forget to ring the bell as loud as you can. That moment you will never forget. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. GOD BLESS AND STAY POSITIVE. Lela Cunningham

Six weeks of chemo and radiation for glioblastoma. Just fatigue and weakness. Waiting to see what is next. Most options seem to just be extensions.