what side effects from radiation?

christald21

I just had my first radiation treatment today.  I am set to do 6 weeks worth, every weekday.  I am having he clavicle area done the whole breast, and armpit, all on my right side.  I also have expanders in right now. 

Has anyone encountered side effects, if so what kind, and especially with the expanders.

Help if you can of any advice, what to expect and how to overcome.  I am hoping this is the last thing i have to do.  i have had chemo aready, and total masectomy on both breast, and lymph node removed on each side, and now radiation... Please tell me this will all be over after this.

 

Puffin2014

skin care

Did your radiologist talk to you about what creams to use during radiation? Mine gave me the choice of several, including Aquaphor, Aloe Gel, Vanicream. You don't put the cream on within 4 hours before your treatment, but use liberally during the day after the treatment.

Mine told me not to use deodorant on that side at all during radiation as it interferes with the rads, some RO's will let you use Tom's. Can't shave under that arm during radiation.

I wasn't supposed to wear anything constricting during radiation, wore a soft camisole.

I had zingy type pains in my breast, which I was told is normal. My skin got red and tender but I had no actual sores. I had lumpectomy so can't comment on the expanders.

You asked if it will be over after this. Was your tumor estrogen positive? If so, your onc will probably want you to take estrogen blocking meds for the next 5-10 years.

You're definitely on the home stretch now, hang in there.

button2

Yes! Almost there!

Radiation certainly is the last big thing you are going to do. I had some reddening of the skin and a blister or two, but I've had sunburns that were worse. For about two months after radiation, I was super tired and would sleep 10 hour nights. I had a lot of trouble sleeping during chemo so that was my body catching up. After that, I had some hot flashes from hormone treatment, but other than that, I was back to normal. In no time, you will be on here helping others with their fight...hang in there Chris!

VickiSam

button2 said:

Yes! Almost there!

Radiation certainly is the last big thing you are going to do. I had some reddening of the skin and a blister or two, but I've had sunburns that were worse. For about two months after radiation, I was super tired and would sleep 10 hour nights. I had a lot of trouble sleeping during chemo so that was my body catching up. After that, I had some hot flashes from hormone treatment, but other than that, I was back to normal. In no time, you will be on here helping others with their fight...hang in there Chris!

How are you feeling? ?

Hoping your side efforts are under control troll and not causing any issues.  Please check in when time permits.

Vicki Sam 

twnkltoz

I hope your treatments are

I hope your treatments are going well! I started today.

camul

use the cream.

I was not told about them until I was already pretty burned.  I am very fair skinned, good old Irish complexion.  When they realized I knew nothing about creams, the tech told me every day before getting dressed, put on the Aqua phor.  I did, as well as b4 dinner and again at bedtime. They also told me to drink plenty of water.

I have had 8 rounds od radiation now to hips, pelvic, thigh, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine.  Lspine, hip and pelvic 2 separate rounds.  Main thing for me was get rest and plenty of fluid.  Radiation is easier than chemo, yet tiring, and important to take care of yourself.

If you have questions, ask the techs.  Sometimes, I think, the doctor thinks the techs have given info, the techs assume drs have informed us, and in the process we end up missing out.  Never be afraid to ask questions, and if they can't answer, then ask them to find someone who can.  They are mostly good at what they do, however, bottom line, this is my life and I no longer assume!!  I ask questions and if they are not answered, I keep pushing.  I am not trying to be difficult.  It is not like we are going in for a simple sore throat, we are literally in a fight for our lives, and I for one, will not let a tech, nurse, or doctor brush me off.  I have fought too hard and too long and need to know, what I am getting, why I am getting it, the length of the treatment and what the goal is of that particular medication.  If they can't answer it, then why am I expected to just take it.

I wish you the best!

Carol

Gilberto_Farthing

Please keep us updated. We

Please keep us updated. We have been wondering how you are doing. Sending you lots of strength for this period.

christald21

Doing ok

My first week is almost done.  It isn't hard to do but going everyday  kinda a pain. The only side effect is some lightening bolt pain. I asked the tech she said perfectly normal.  From my scar tissue from surgery other than that it is ok.  I have only ut on aquaphor once. But reading your comments I really need to do it more often and drink more water.  Thanks everyone. 

Puffin2014

christald21 said:

Doing ok

My first week is almost done.  It isn't hard to do but going everyday  kinda a pain. The only side effect is some lightening bolt pain. I asked the tech she said perfectly normal.  From my scar tissue from surgery other than that it is ok.  I have only ut on aquaphor once. But reading your comments I really need to do it more often and drink more water.  Thanks everyone. 

yes, lots more cream

Yes, lots more cream, not within 4 hours of your treatment, but the rest of the day put it on several times.

Isabella99

PET Scan please help

Hello Everyone,

My husband was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago.

He just had a mastectomy to remove the primary cancer and

lymph node dissection. Doctors said that he will need

PET scan and does anyone know anything about PET scan?

Does it mean his cancer is advanced or it is just a normal

procedure?

 

Thank you all very much.

 

JR413

radiation

Hi,

One thing that I am aware of regarding radiation treatment is that there is often too much given. I don't know if that is controllable or not. I do know how to help remove the excess from your body after treatment. You will need some dried sea vegetables, onions and mushrooms. Sautee them together with any other veggies you like and have them with a meal or two after each radiation treatment. I think you may also put the sea veggies in a soup. Any sea veggie will do: arame, hijiki, etc. Most health food stores have some. By the way, this combination tastes really good!

 

JR

Puffin2014

radiation dose very carefully calculated

The radiologist very carefully calculates the dose of radiation you get, they're not giving you "too much". It does continue to work after the actual treatment, which it's supposed to.

disneyfan2008

I have no advice at all..I

I have no advice at all..I had NO side effects of radation at all...

 

I am sure others will have great advice...

 

thinking of you..

Denise

twnkltoz

How are you doing? I've had

How are you doing? I've had 12 treatments and have a nice little burn going. I'm constantly exhausted.

Nashville 2-16

Puffin2014 said:

yes, lots more cream

Yes, lots more cream, not within 4 hours of your treatment, but the rest of the day put it on several times.

They gave me some ointment

They gave me some ointment cream and some Aquaphor ointment to use.  I will have my first radiation treatment Wednesday of next week.  Had bilateral mastectomy with total lymph nodes dissection on the left and sentinel node on the right.  It has been 3 1/2 weeks since surgery and now have shingles on my back.  See my onc this afternoon to go over path report.