Pain from Radiation Treatments

mgm42
mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I completed 33 radiation treatments on my breast two weeks ago. In addition to some burns and itching, I am having internal pinging pains - I think its from the nerves inside the breast tissue. I take one to two hydrocodone a day to take the edge off. My question is how long does it take to fully heal from radiation treatments? This is really annoying because I can't go out in public cluthcing my breast because it hurts. People will think I'm nuts. Please help. Thanks. Marilynn

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    Marilynn, I'm sorry to read that you are having this problem from the rads. I wish I could help, but I just had partial breast radiation(10 treatments to the tumor bed and margin). I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers though and please let us know how you heal. Hopefully there will be others who can offer advise from their perspectives. Tc, Eil
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #3
    I am sorry you are having so much trouble with it. I had treatments once a day for 6 weeks. I have occasional slight twinges in the radiated area, but nothing requiring pain meds. Have you talked to your Dr.? My plastic surgeon says she likes to wait a minimum of 6 months, and prefers 10-12 months after radiation before attempting surgery to allow the scar tissue to fully "settle". I am currently 4 weeks past my last treatment. The skin is back to normal(just looks like I have a tan), but I do have some lumpy spots underneath from scar tissue. Dr. says they should soften and fade. I don't know if this is helpful, but it is my experience.

    I hope you feel better soon. seof
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #4
    Hi Sweetie!

    I also hope you got some a prescription for cortisone cream to stop the itching~ the OTC brands are not effective. I am sorry you are having pain; I never needed any pain meds following radiation, thankfully.

    I am always "aware" of my breast, and sometimes more so than other times. The muscles in my underarm hurt more than my breast per se, and I probably DO clutch at my breast now and again.

    But thats the beauty of being an "old broad"~ I get to do things just because I have reached a certain age! :-) I can be the Maxine of the BC crowd!!!

    Seriously, Marilyn, hydrocodone to take the edge off sounds as if you are having some major pain issues. Keep your Dr in the loop with this one; and let us know how you are doing. Pain management classes may even be in order. You have gone through way too much to now be saddled with taking prescription drugs for breast pain.

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    The radiation affects much more than the skin. The entire body needs to heal. It is just that we see the skin. The doc explained to me that even my bones are more fragile where radiated. I am two months away from my rads (I had them at four sites) and I have some soreness when I push at my radiated area and a little sore under the arm. I don't have pain in my breast, because of course, I don't have a breast. Do talk to your doctor, but hang in there, hamp. This has GOT to be your last hurdle! I wish you the best. love Joyce
  • Cindy54
    Cindy54 Member Posts: 452
    #6
    Marilynn..I am so glad that someone else has those pinging pains. Not glad to hear of your discomfort, just glad that I am not the only one. My doctor said it was just the nerves healing and they could be healing for up to a year. I had 36 treatments. Had the peeling skin, the itching. And yes, I felt like I should just grab a boob every now and then. All I took was my Naproxen that I take for my back. No, it did not help. Sometimes it felt like I imagine a bullet piercing would feel...that shooting, burning pain.I still have the pain, but it does get better with time. My doctor is always asking about any pain that I have so that is a good thing for me. Other than letting time take care of things, I really don't have a solution. Hugs, Cindy

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