After radiation - reactions

Patricia3

My 5 weeks of radiation treatment concluded 7 weeks ago.  Having had only minor skin reddening and irritation, I was feeling quite pleased with myself.  A week ago the skin in the booster-treated area started to redden, but I wasn't too concerned.  In the last 3 days it has spread, become quite sore and blistered.  I thought that only happened DURING treatment!  I wasn't warned it could happen later.  I'm now worried about what more long-term effects I can expect.  I felt really miserable yesterday and really have no-one I can talk to - I live on my own.  (nor did I think I would ever feel like this - naive me!)  How long could this skin thing last?

This was originally posted on the Hormone site, but I've receive quite a few replies from there.

I took advice - It turned out to be SHINGLES!  See that site if you're interested to see the replies.