Radiation question

LucieB

Hi all -- I just started radiation two days ago and was wondering if anyone had the same reaction I did. After ONE treatment, that's right, ONE -- my breast turned a light pink. I thought nothing of it, figuring it's a normal reaction. Returned for my second treatment today and the technician is questioning why my breast is pink and called in the oncologist. All seemed to be in agreement that this CANNOT happen after only one treatment. The Oncologist tried to suggest it was there beforehand and I hadn't noticed (not true) or said perhaps it was the sign of an early infection from lymph nodes not draining properly. Maybe I misunderstood? For now, they will watch it carefully. I'm not worked up about this, just wanted to find out if others have had a similar experience. Thanks!

hummingbyrd

Just a suggestion...make sure you aren't applying any kind of cream before you go for radiation, or even anything that may be causing an allergic type reaction.
As for the onc. politely ask him if he thinks he would notice if one of his....
well, never mind, just not even going there. LOL
Best of luck. hummingbyrd

jeancmici

Hummb's suggestion about creams made me remember the nurse practitioner working for my radiologist said 'NO SOAP' ever during radiation - the first week I ignored and used nonscented - mild soap - nurse reminded me strongly again beginning of the second week so that breast only got well rinsed from any run off for the remaining five weeks. No creams - nothing - and no troubles either.You said they called in the oncologist - you have a radiologist supervising- right? I think I know what you are thinking - wrong dosage of x-rays. Ask THEM if they are sure they have you set up right. We must advocate for ourselves - too bad- but true!

Good Luck!
Jean

let us know the outcome if you feel up to it.

hummingbyrd

jeancmici said:

Hummb's suggestion about creams made me remember the nurse practitioner working for my radiologist said 'NO SOAP' ever during radiation - the first week I ignored and used nonscented - mild soap - nurse reminded me strongly again beginning of the second week so that breast only got well rinsed from any run off for the remaining five weeks. No creams - nothing - and no troubles either.You said they called in the oncologist - you have a radiologist supervising- right? I think I know what you are thinking - wrong dosage of x-rays. Ask THEM if they are sure they have you set up right. We must advocate for ourselves - too bad- but true!

Good Luck!
Jean

let us know the outcome if you feel up to it.

Hey Jean, I'm sooo glad you said something about wrong dosages. I wanted to because I wonder if it didn't happen to me the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. After treatment my arm started burning and hurt so bad, like never before or since, thank God.
I figured I must sound paranoid because everyone here is like, 'oh that couldn't happen'.
It can happen, it does happen and it's worth considering because they do make mistakes. Thanks, you made my day!
Now I don't feel so 'alone'. hummb

Sharon345

I had the same reaction on the first trip. I'm very fair skinned, red hair and blue eyes. My Rad. Onc. said he doesn't see it happen often but that he has seen it. He predicted that I would probably have to have a couple of breaks during the radiation treatment which did happen. He kept a close eye on my skin. Once I skipped a monday treatment, once a monday and tuesday treatment. He wouldn't let me get much past a bad sunburn effect. He said I could easily get a 2nd degree burn and have to take a very long break if I didn't break when I did. I still am red, have edema and dippling after 7 months. The Rad Onc. said it might take 2 years to clear up, my surgeon said 3 years. I've just now noticed that I can sleep in any position I want without it being uncomfortable which is a real blessing. Hope you have better luck but just wanted you to know you're not alone.

bullfrog13

YES no cream/lotion/oil/--
EVER NEVER EVER before treatment!
FRog learn hard way--big burn - BAD NEWS -OUCHY OUCHY.. BAD frog..did not educate self!
spread the word!!
THANKS hope all is better. and BTW..im LMBO @ bird!

LucieB

jeancmici said:

Hummb's suggestion about creams made me remember the nurse practitioner working for my radiologist said 'NO SOAP' ever during radiation - the first week I ignored and used nonscented - mild soap - nurse reminded me strongly again beginning of the second week so that breast only got well rinsed from any run off for the remaining five weeks. No creams - nothing - and no troubles either.You said they called in the oncologist - you have a radiologist supervising- right? I think I know what you are thinking - wrong dosage of x-rays. Ask THEM if they are sure they have you set up right. We must advocate for ourselves - too bad- but true!

Good Luck!
Jean

let us know the outcome if you feel up to it.

A belated thanks to all who took the time to respond to my radiation question. I am not fair-skinned at all so it did seem odd to have a reaction after one session. As it turns out, by day four of treatment, another radiation oncologist took a look at my "pink breast" and said it was perfectly normal. So I'm not sure what all the commotion was about after Day One. I had not been forewarned about NO SOAP at all. My info advises use of mild soaps like Ivory and a couple others. Anyway, appreciate the information and support here. Thanks, Lucie