What's recovery like after breast-conserving surgery and radiation for DCIS?

I had DCIS in 2022 along with a lumpectomy which literally you could see no scar, very easy recovery. My Dr had said radiation likely wouldn’t be a huge benefit, so I opted out. Now I wish I had done radiation because here I am 3 years later coming off 8 sessions of chemo, a double mastectomy with lymph node removal, oral chemo and in 6 months radiation. I wish I would have had the smarts to attack while it was at stage 0. It may not have done anything, or maybe it would have…..

Thank you for your response ! I am actually at stage 1. There seems to have been some confusion about the stage but the plan is two lumpectomies . I am glad you told me about radiation because my doctor said I didn't need it, but I will go forth with it after the surgery . Thank you again, for your candid reply ! All the best to you !

Many people find that recovery from breast-conserving surgery tends to be manageable, with most experiencing some initial soreness and fatigue that gradually improves over a few weeks, while radiation therapy often causes skin changes similar to sunburn that develop over the course of treatment. This community has many members who have walked this path and can share their real experiences about what helped them prepare and cope during treatment - hopefully some will respond to share their insights with you.

My experience with who breast radiation was outstanding. Excellent care. My skin held up well even though I was exercising in the heat everyday. I used aquaphor, dye free aloe gel,tiny bit of prescription steroid cream . No bra, used tank tops that were soft. Showered twice a day. Went topless in house some. My skin had minor changes throughout treatment but nothing painful. Keep it clean,dont over do it with the gels because you can make it too moist. I did have some fatigue, decrease appetite. I used exercise and protein drinks.

Emily, I had stage 1, dcis with a 9 mm invasive carcinoma tumor. It was caught early, but tumor was a hairs thickness from my pectoral. They advised 6 radiation treatments. 5 were stronger doses and the 6 th was a booster to the tumor site. I had clear margins, but narrow. So I opted for the radiation as a first line of defense. Better safe than sorry! I have very fair, sensitive skin, so was concerned! The first treatment turned me bubble gum pink and burning. They had me use Aquaphor spray and aloe gel with lidocaine which was very soothing. It saved me and I was able to tolerate all the treatments successfully! Arm yourself with the tools you need and you will get through it well. My skin faired well and you cannot tell it was radiated now. I had some fatigue, but give in and take a nap if you need it! It’s temporary. Stay hydrated and well nourished. I am off all caffeine, red meats and watch sugar intake. Stay active it’s good for your mental health too! I am on a hormone blocker for 5 years. So far I have 18 months under my belt! I wish you the best and sending hugs! Hope this helps you. Thank God you caught this early on!

Well, even with radiation it comes back and radiation to the chest is one of the reasons it can come back as her2.. which is much worse than hormone positive in treatment and chance of Mets… I am going through that nightmare now! Six of one half dozen of another. It only took 7 years

Thank you for your candid response, Jane.The information is encouraging although it seems that you went through a lot but I still maintaining ! Hugs to you !

Lee, your comments were very informative. They cleared up a lot of questions for me. I will check into some of the remedies you used. I appreciate all of the responses and helpful points that everyone on this site shares.

Let me preface this with the fact I am 68 yrs old and in general good health but was not regularly “exercising”. In early Aug 2025, I had stage 1B invasive ductal cancer with 1 sentinel node malignant. These findings were from breast biopsy. But…during pre-op PET scan for the breast cancer they also suspected endometrial cancer. So I had endometrial biopsy. Imagine my shock to find out 3 days before my lumpectomy and lymphectomy that I also had stage 1A uterine cancer. I had the breast surgery in early Sept 2025, then 2 1/2 weeks later had a radical & total hysterectomy. I can tell you I was still bruised and a little sore from breast surgery but felt okay with proceeding to the hysterectomy portion of my journey. I was driving short distances within 10 days after the hysterectomy. I walked a LOT and took a nap couple times a week during my recuperation from both surgeries. I went back to work (part time) after 7 weeks to be able to maintain my medical insurance. I have had 16 of my 20 early morning radiation treatments and then i go to work for 6 hrs per day Mon thru Thu. I have had a few uncomfortable but manageable side effects(redness, rash, swollen/tender nipple and fatigue). I have been using Aquaphor twice a day and last week they gave me samples of Alocane ointment to use in between. Im gonna “ring that bell” next week. I see my hematology oncologist the week of Christmas where I am sure we’ll discuss endocrine therapy and then 3mo follow-up with breast surgeon on 30 Dec. In the meantime, I have changed my soaps, and laundry detergent to no perfumes or dyes, changed my diet drastically, started chair yoga and walk at least 1 hr per day. I did lots of reading and research, and asked my drs a lot of questions from the start.