Swelling during radiation

catherine74

Hello!  I'm new to these boards but was diagnosed in June.  I had a lumpectomy June 30 - 1.8 cm tumor plus they removed a hematoma that had developed from my biopsy.  Recovery from my surgery went fine and I healed well. No chemotherapy but I started radiation last week and have had six treatments so far.  The treated breast started to swell after my first couple treatments.  Radiation oncologist doesn't seem concerned - it's not red or hot. She thinks it's delayed healing from my surgery and just coincidence that it started to swell the same week as radiation started.  She said typically she doesn't see swelling from radiation until week 4 or 5.  My question is whether any of you had swelling after your first couple radiation treatments?  Is there anything that helps bring the swelling down like exercises or physical therapy?  The doctors say that ibuprofen or similar won't help because it's not inflammation but rather fluid build up in there.  I'm not necessarily in pain - just pretty uncomfortable.  Thanks for any advice!

 

 

disneyfan2008

I never had swelling- I am

I never had swelling- I am sure other will have helpful suggestions and thoughts.

 

Welcome-you found a great place to vent, ask questions---

 

Denise

Mcnar81

Yes...I have swelling

 

Hi...I am in my second week of radiation therapy and I am experiencing swelling, redness, and soreness in my breast and underarm region. I started to have these symptoms on day two. Spoke to my Oncologist, he basically told me the same thing your physician told you! Currently, I am applying aloe (no dye or color) lotion three times a day to help with both the redness and soreness, it helps a bit but doesn't have any bearing on the swelling. The doctor told me to keep an eye on my temperature, and if I should develop a fever of 100.5 < to let him know. So for now, I continue to receive my daily treatments, hoping to complete them without any additional side effects. I wish you all the best in completing your regiment in becoming cancer free for life! 

VickiSam

Mcnar81 said:

Yes...I have swelling

 

Hi...I am in my second week of radiation therapy and I am experiencing swelling, redness, and soreness in my breast and underarm region. I started to have these symptoms on day two. Spoke to my Oncologist, he basically told me the same thing your physician told you! Currently, I am applying aloe (no dye or color) lotion three times a day to help with both the redness and soreness, it helps a bit but doesn't have any bearing on the swelling. The doctor told me to keep an eye on my temperature, and if I should develop a fever of 100.5 < to let him know. So for now, I continue to receive my daily treatments, hoping to complete them without any additional side effects. I wish you all the best in completing your regiment in becoming cancer free for life! 

Wishing you luck -- OUCH ..

Excellent advise from Mcnar81 ..  Do keep us updated when possible.

Strength, Courage and HOPE for a Cure.

Vicki Sam

LindenLea

I had swelling from fluid

I had swelling from fluid buildup, and in fact the fuild built up so much it burst through my already-healed incision. There was no infection, as the doctor cultured the fluid-- it's just that the body wants to fill that cavity with fluid when there's an injury like surgery. It's called a seroma. Read about it here:

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/seroma

My seroma actually delayed the start of radiation by two months. I had to stuff strips of sterile guaze up into the hole in my breast twice a day and wear a pad because of the drainage. There was so much drainage, for a while I was using an incontinence pad under my breast. Good times.

Google "seroma" and see what you get. It's quite common apparently.

catherine74

Thanks ladies.  Swelling

Thanks ladies.  Swelling seems a little better or maybe just wishful thinking.  It seems strange that this would develop 8+ weeks after my surgery.  It's hard to know what to worry about and what to leave alone.  Sending you all healing energy and love.  

GlowMore

catherine74 said:

Thanks ladies.  Swelling

Thanks ladies.  Swelling seems a little better or maybe just wishful thinking.  It seems strange that this would develop 8+ weeks after my surgery.  It's hard to know what to worry about and what to leave alone.  Sending you all healing energy and love.  

Lymph Nodes

No One has mentioned anything about the fact that Our Lymphatic System will retain fluids and many times the swelling is simply that.... have you asked your Radiation Onc about that?

disneyfan2008

I hope you are feeling better

I hope you are feeling better and the swelling has gone down.

 

Denise

catherine74

Yes, radiation oncologist has

Yes, radiation oncologist has told me that it's likely fluid build up that is having trouble getting out of my breast.  It seems better - uncomfortable still but tolerable.  She is pleased with my skin and not worried about the swelling.  I might have PT after radiation is complete depending on whether the swelling is still there. Nine more treatments.  Thanks for all your feedback - these boards have been so helpful.  

Jan11

I developed reddness after lumpectomy- Lumpectomy done 4/28 and reddness was slow to develop. So I quess  I would go with your radiologist.