Radiation Side Effects

Meems
Meems Member Posts: 15
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just finished 28 doses if sron radiation 2 weeks ago and have what looks like second degree burns aross my chest and mostly under my arm. Is this normal? Radiologist said it is, oncologist was very upset when he saw it and I have never heard of it. Any relies would be appreciated. Thanks.
Barb

Comments

  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #2
    Radiation burns seem to heal fast. I'm not sure why the oncologist would be surprised but I have found the radiologist and oncologist just don't work too well together. Kind of makes you wonder! Best of luck sure you soon will be recovered. Linda
  • mc2001
    mc2001 Member Posts: 343
    #3
    Hi Barb,
    Hope the burns arent bugging you too much. First of all, I cant understand why your oncologist is surprised?!?! this is common effect of radiation. I have found that aloe gels helped me when I had radation burns.
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #4
    Barb,

    I had terrible radiation burns toward the end of my treatments, despite constant applications of aloe, the prescription cream they gave me, etc. Some people just have skin that can't take it....like us! My burns healed but I continued to have a "burned" sensation and sensitivity on my breast for more than a year following the end of treatment. But don't get discouraged. I'm now more than two years out and everything is back to normal. Like so much of what happens following bc diagnosis, it just takes time. Good luck.
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #5
    Hi Barb:

    It may well be that your burn is above and beyond what one would reasonably experience during radiation. I'd suggest that you have it looked at by another radiation oncologist and/or a dermatologist who deals with radiation effects on the skin. Could be that your facility/dr. let it go way beyond what they should have and you may need some immediate remedial treatment to help it heal its best. I'd definitely get it looked at by someone else right away. Can't hurt and may save you future difficulties if the burn is indeed abnormally severe.

    Because we all respond differently to the same drugs and procedures it's difficult to get a handle on what's "normal" with cancer treatments. Can't hurt to get another pair of professional eyes on it just to be safe. Just make sure it's someone who really knows and understands breast irridation so you don't waste your time and energy.

    Best wishes and hoping you begin to heal really soon!

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • Kmds
    Kmds Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Hi Barb,

    Had the same type of burn, and although my radiology oncologist was concerned, he was concerned about the fact that I would have to stop treatment. That never happened. It took sometime to heal but I went for my 2year check two weeks ago and everything is back to normal. Ask your doctor about Aquaphor. I used it and it really helped me. Good luck and God bless. Karen

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