Seeking Advice on Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

My radiation was a one time deal (high focused beam at 38 GYs) so my situation is going to be a little different. there is a planning stage with me ( they marked my tumor location). I got a little skin irritation but it wasn't bad for me. And I was sore for several weeks, also very managble. when I read up on radiation (and looking on this site) a lot of women use special creams and their response varied regarding skin tenderness. The radiation treatment itself is painless and is fairly quick, about 20 minutes. Maybe ask your radiologist too if they have any specific recommendations?

My radiation was a one time deal (high focused beam at 38 GYs) so my situation is going to be a little different. there is a planning stage with me ( they marked my tumor location). I got a little skin irritation but it wasn't bad for me. And I was sore for several weeks, also very managble. when I read up on radiation (and looking on this site) a lot of women use special creams and their response varied regarding skin tenderness. The radiation treatment itself is painless and is fairly quick, about 20 minutes. Maybe ask your radiologist too if they have any specific recommendations?

Good luck - I had a lumpectomy - found area early, so 🤞🏻🤞🏻. I had radiation for 4 weeks with a booster at area. I used aveeno daily - radiation went well but 3 weeks afterwards, I developed ‘radiation burn’ under my breast. It was painful, red, and peeling. Talk to your radiologist - after the fact, my radiologist oncologist said that ‘it’s common after 3 weeks ‘ - I would have liked to know that when I started - to b prepared. Best of luck 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

My radiation was 5 days a week for about a month. It is fairly quick. They do what is called mapping to do exactly where they do radiation. Time is about 20 minutes. I had skin irritations. What felt the best for me was to take 4 cups of warm water with a teaspoon of salt. Place on skin where it was irritated with wash cloth for about 5 minutes repeat twice daily. Feels great. Then put mepilex on the irritated area. It sticks to your skin keeps your skin dry so it can heal. You can get mepilex from staff. Some people use Alphafor or Eucerine cream. Do what you feel what is best for you. Ask radiation nurse what works. Radiation staff are great. They explain everything. It is an easy experience. Ask questions. Best of luck to you!

Aquaphor ( abit greasy like Vaseline ). Aveeeno is creamier. My tx was 5 min - t took longer to get positioned ! Team was great & supportive After showering ( which shower flow was uncomfortable when hitting breast) I used soft washcloth with dove body wash. Afterwards I would apply aveeno , librrally, then apply T-shirt or camisole ( not to ruin my clothing ). It all works out in the end - just don’t push yourself and accept help wherever it comes from 🙏🏻🩷🙏🏻

Melani, How did you come across the focused radiation that you had? I’m looking for alternative options to traditional radiation as i have already undergone reconstruction and needing radiation after surgery was a surprise to me. Thanks!

I found out this week before I do radiation therapy now I have to do chemo 😩😩😩 really not looking forward to it 🙃 😕

Caitlin, the hospital I go to offers it. It is UTSW in Dallas.

Ask for a silver cream

I had lumpectomy, chemo and 4 weeks after that had 15 radiotherapy sessions. Applied Aveeno lotion before going for radiotherapy. The sessions were not painful. 2-3 weeks after radiotherapy, redness and blistering appeared and then peeling of skin. Dr prescribed aloe Vera gel which was super soothing. I hope you have a smooth sailing in this journey. ❤️

Caitlin, I was just thinking. What do you think about getting a second opinion about the radiation? My sister had breast cancer 6 years ago. She had a double mastectomy with with diep transfer. Her medical oncologist also recommended radiation. After some consideration she did not do the radiation. I don't have the details at the moment. So far so good.

Thanks Nabila... Did you loose your hair and when during your chemo

Melanie, yes I am looking into another opinion. My surgeon is also presenting my case to tumor board which lots of different specialists meet to discuss more complex cases. I am very concerned about radiation because of all the surgeries I have already had. My risk for fibrosis is very high. I’m also planning to have an exchange surgery at some point from a tissue expander to an implant and once radiation happens I know that drastically changes the skins integrity. Ultimately, it will be my decision obviously but because this is a reoccurrence and I’m only 39 I’m pretty sure the recommendation will be to radiate. I just wish there were other options.

I’m did my 9th treatment today. I’m tired and around treatment 6 my breasts started to be tender. My team & Dr are huge proponents of Mepitel Film. They are applying Mepitel Film to cover my breast and doing touch ups when needed. This protects your breast skin from getting irritated and chaffed and damaged as your skin is being radiated. So far I’m super happy my Dr uses this product. Ask yours ♥️ I’m having 15 treatments. Hope that helps

Melani my radiation is also focused They did the blocking several weeks prior to starting and measure the center of breast bone prior to each treatment starting. I didn’t know that anyone got non-focused treatments. Talk to your team about it. Ask every question you can think of and ask again with each new question

Yes. Some women have their whole breast radiated instead of just the tumor. Don't know why. Maybe because they have my then one tumor or maybe the kind of BC they have.

Yes Willie, lost my head hair and all body hair too with chemo. Growing back now. Still have to pencil my eyebrows 😊

It's completely natural to feel anxious about starting radiation therapy, and many people in this community have shared similar concerns before their treatment. Radiation therapy is a common next step after lumpectomy, and while it can seem overwhelming, connecting with others here who have been through this experience can provide valuable insights and comfort. Consider asking specific questions about what to expect during treatment or how others prepared - this supportive community often shares practical tips that can help ease worries about upcoming procedures.