What are results after 3-6 months from radiotherapy 15 times

Earlymorn

I am about to start radiotherapy. I only know one other person who has had 15 rounds of radiotherapy and had a very bad result. she is still weeping under her arm and has stiffness 2nyears later. Consequently, I am nervous. Is anyone in the community able to tell me their stories. I am particularly interested in the 3 week course of radiation I have been recommended

Moderators

Hi Earlymorn-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO! We know the anxiety one can experience before beginning a new treatment. Every body is different, and will thus have different reactions to radiation therapies. Many of our members have undergone rads with very few issues, and we hope that ends up being the case for you! We're sure members will chime in shortly with their experiences, and we hope their stories help ease some of your concerns.

The Mods

Brutersmom

I did 15 with 4 boosts at the end. My only reation was a suntan and fatigue. I followed my RO directions to help protect my skin. Initially I wore cotton sport bras. At the end I just wore a cotton cammy that I would roll up under my shirt in the front for a little support. I also used a cooling rag at night to cool my skin down. It really helped.

Kicks

We can each only tell you what our individual experiences are/were.

I did 25 rads with no 'problems'. The last 2 days did have a very slight pink. The day after last rad, the entire area (mid line, around under arm to back and up the side of neck) that had been irradiated was blistered (open and weeping). Saw my Dr that day and was told to just keep using the creams (given by him) - if I hadn't been allergic to Sulfa he would have had me use Silvadene/Sulfadene. Long story a bit shorter - it continued to worsen. Finally it was decided to try Domeboro soaks to try to dry it. Worked. Burn showed up Mar 8 and last scab came off June 29. That was almost 7 yrs ago and if I needed to go through it again - I'd do it in a heartbeat but I'd start the Domeboro soaks sooner.

I didn't tell you my less than ideal experience to 'scare' you but rather that even with less than we'd like to experience there is a light at the end.

It would help for those who reply if you would fill out your Profile. That way they would know what your DX is and what other TXs you've done. There are different types of BC with so many variables. You can see my DX at the bottom of this post from my Profile (and most others Profiles).

Ruby3813

I did 16 rads + 4 boosts. I used green tea spray (homemade), prescription Mometasone cream, and Boiron Calendula gel. Didn't really have any side effects of note. Am 3 weeks out now and feel fine. I did have a little fatigue kick in about halfway thru the treatments, but nothing debilitating. Still worked full time, although I took some time off in the afternoons when fatigue hit.