what side effects from radiation?

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 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!

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

Vicki Sam 

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

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.

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.

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