Radiation therapy

nolongerann · April 2002

I was dx'd in January, biop'd in February, (high nuclear grade comedo carcinoma in situ); lumpectomy 3-4-02 followed by a sub-total mastectomy on 3-14. I am starting my radiation therapy this week. I am reading that there should be no side effects, my hair is safe, and I should be able to "pop in for therapy" on my way to work. Does everyone out there agree that this is going to be that easy, or am I being lead down a garden path! Please let me know, I'm a realist, but I'm not sure my medics are. I can be e-mailed at annbck6@icqmail.com. Thanks for the help! nolongerann

jeancmici · April 2002

You will be tired - and there will be at least some irritation of the skin. Be very gentle with the area. They told me no soap or creams on the area for the entire time - ask them for a special cream should you get sore or itchy.

Usually you see the radiation oncologist once a week to check on the skin's condition etc. That will take a little more time.

Good Luck! Jean

carolynj · April 2002

I completed my 6 weeks of radiation treatments on 3/29/02 after a lumpectomy. I was never tired and was able to carry on with my daily routine after my 7:00 am radiation treatments. Around the 4th week, I did have some redness and itchiness which I controlled with aloevera and cortisone ointments. The radiation treatments were very easy and I was in and out in less that 15 minutes. Hope you have an easy time also.
Carolyn

nasa2537 · April 2002

Welcome to the group! I just e-mailed you with all my thoughts on radiation. From my standpoint, it wasn't that bad.....Cyndi

laguna555 · April 2002

I had 36 rounds of radiation. It is true, the early part is not so bad but once you have a few weeks the area is burned and you need to treat it. I had high dose all the way. When it was over, I had skin in areas the color purple, under the arm especially. It has been 2 months since treatment and I have a 2"x6" area that is red and hasn't healed. I was told the same thing, no big deal... right!

nocarb1 · April 2002

Hi there,
I just finished 30 rads 3 weeks ago. I am 37 and very fair complexed and it was a breeze for me honestly. My skin has some redness but is also healing very well. It took about 10 minutes out of my day and was over with in no time. Best of luck to you, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!!
If you need anymore info just shout!
Carlye

nocarb1 · April 2002

Hi there,
I just finished 30 rads 3 weeks ago. I am 37 and very fair complexed and it was a breeze for me honestly. My skin has some redness but is also healing very well. It took about 10 minutes out of my day and was over with in no time. Best of luck to you, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!!
If you need anymore info just shout!
Carlye

laverne · April 2002

THERE WILL BE SIDE EFFECTS AND IT IS NOT AN EASY AS PEOPLE CLAIM. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

lemon · April 2002

It really is a matter of run in and get it done.My sister-in-law drove in got her treatment and made it to school in time.I was only really tired on the days I got chemo before radiation.As soon as you are set up its just like xrays. If you havn't had a warrior alteration you will want to lay down and have a fan circulate the air underneath.Try to give this area air to "breathe" .If I can help with anything else please let me know.

lemon · April 2002

laguna555 said:
I had 36 rounds of radiation. It is true, the early part is not so bad but once you have a few weeks the area is burned and you need to treat it. I had high dose all the way. When it was over, I had skin in areas the color purple, under the arm especially. It has been 2 months since treatment and I have a 2"x6" area that is red and hasn't healed. I was told the same thing, no big deal... right!

Ask for Mepitel It is a cool treatment for burn victims It saved my sanity. I don't understand why more people are not given this to put on their burns.

cathyann · April 2002

Hello I completed radiation in November with little to no problems, only a slight sunburn. A walk in the park compared to chemo! Good Luck.

Cathy

vp9090 · April 2002

I have 4 more treatments of radiation left. Last friday was my first radiation applied to the scare only.Prior I was treated to 3 different areas of my breast. I worked during my chemo and I am glad I decided not to work during radiation. Radiation was painless and the technican's were great however I am still tired a lot. The treatment lasted about 15 mins each. good luck and if you wish to e-mail me my addresss is esvvlp@cts.com. I was diagnosed with stage IIIa breast cancer Aug. 21, 2001.

britchick356 · April 2002

This was one of the worst case scenarios:
Radiation was a breeze compared to chemo. That's not to say it was easy. I had some radiation fatigue. After several treatments, I developed large quarter-sized blisters that the rad techs had me treat with Aquaphor cream. Blisters in the area stopped me from wearing a bra except when absolutely necessary. When the blisters broke, I lined my bra with a soft cloth baby diaper to keep the bismuth violet they gave me from staining my clothes. On the plus side, after the radiation stopped, it was about 7-10 days and I was healed up again. I have had some minor breast pain around the site, but was told by my 2nd onco( my 1st one was fired) that it may remain there.
Don't hesitate to get 2nd opinions and talk with other cancer patients. It's your body and your life. Hugs, CJ

dmbm · May 2002

hi,
I have just started radiation on April 30th. I am going first thing in the morning and then to work. My doctor told me the same thing as you. Not quite sure it will be that easy. let me know how you make out.

Radiation therapy

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